Domfas International Leadership Academy (Domfas ILA) was founded with the primary goal of transforming learners into leaders – ensuring students develop critical thinking skills, creativity and a flexibility of mind that will benefit them for life. As a true international private school, Domfas leverages a blend of American curriculum and the best of African curriculum to provide students with a unique and well-rounded educational experience.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Guidance and Career Counselor
Location: Ekiti
Job type: Full time
Position Summary
- The DAPS Guidance and Career Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive academic, personal, social, and career guidance services to students.
- The Counselor supports students in identifying their strengths, interests, values, and aspirations while helping them make informed educational, career, and life decisions.
- The role focuses on preparing students for successful transitions into higher education, scholarship opportunities, and future careers through individualized counseling, career exploration programs, university guidance, personal development initiatives, and student support services.
- The Counselor serves as a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate for student success, working closely with students, parents, instructors, university partners, and school leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Student Guidance and Counseling Services:
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions to students.
- Support students in addressing academic, personal, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
- Assist students in developing self-awareness, confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills.
- Maintain a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for counseling services.
- Identify students requiring specialized support and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
- Develop intervention plans for students facing academic or personal challenges.
Career Development and Planning:
- Guide students in exploring career interests, strengths, abilities, and future opportunities.
- Administer and interpret career assessments and personality inventories.
- Assist students in developing individualized career plans.
- Provide information on career pathways, labor market trends, and emerging professions.
- Organize career awareness programs, industry talks, mentorship sessions, and career fairs.
- Help students align academic choices with career aspirations.
- Support students in developing employability and leadership skills.
University and Higher Education Readiness:
- Provide guidance on local and international university admissions processes.
- Support students in selecting appropriate courses, universities, and academic programs.
- Conduct university application workshops and information sessions.
- Assist students with:
- University applications
- Personal statements
- Admission essays
- Recommendation requests
- Scholarship applications
- Application documentation
- Interview preparation
- Maintain updated information on university admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and application deadlines.
- Coordinate interactions with university representatives and educational partners.
Academic Advising and Student Success:
- Collaborate with instructors and academic staff to monitor student progress.
- Support students in setting academic goals and improvement plans.
- Identify students at risk of poor academic performance and implement intervention strategies.
- Provide study skills, time management, goal-setting, and examination preparation support.
- Assist students in making informed subject and program selections.
- Monitor student engagement and academic development.
Parent and Family Engagement:
- Maintain regular communication with parents and guardians regarding student development.
- Conduct parent consultations and counseling meetings when necessary.
- Provide guidance to families on educational planning, career pathways, and university admissions.
- Support parent education programs focused on adolescent development and student success.
- Build positive relationships between families and the school community.
Student Development Programs:
- Coordinate programs that promote:
- Leadership development
- Personal effectiveness
- Emotional intelligence
- Communication skills
- Character development
- Mental wellness
- Goal setting
- Life skills
- Organize workshops, seminars, and student enrichment activities.
- Support initiatives that foster responsible citizenship and community engagement.
Student Welfare and Well-Being:
- Monitor student welfare and overall well-being.
- Provide support during periods of personal, academic, or social transition.
- Promote positive mental health awareness and wellness initiatives.
- Identify and address issues affecting student engagement and success.
- Collaborate with relevant professionals and agencies when specialized intervention is required.
Data Management and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions and student interactions.
- Track student participation in counseling and career development programs.
- Prepare weekly, monthly, and termly reports on counseling activities and outcomes.
- Analyze student development data and recommend improvement strategies.
- Monitor university placements, scholarship awards, and student progression outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships:
- Build relationships with universities, scholarship organizations, employers, and educational partners.
- Coordinate visits, presentations, and information sessions from external organizations.
- Participate in recruitment events, open days, webinars, and educational fairs.
- Support school initiatives that promote student advancement and institutional growth.
Compliance and Administrative Responsibilities:
- Ensure adherence to school policies and professional ethical standards.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information.
- Complete counseling reports, documentation, and administrative tasks in a timely manner.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development activities, and school events.
- Perform additional duties assigned by school leadership.
Requirements
Educational Qualification:
Applicants must possess any of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Counseling Psychology, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Human Development, Social Work, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- A Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, Counseling Psychology, or Education is an added advantage.
- Master's Degree in Guidance and Counselling, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
- Professional certification in counseling, career development, student support services, or mental health practice is an added advantage.
- Membership or registration with relevant professional bodies is desirable.
Experience:
- Must have 3–5 years experience in counseling, student services, educational guidance, career advising, admissions counseling, or related roles.
- Experience working with secondary school, preparatory school, or university-bound students is highly desirable.
- Experience supporting students through university admissions and scholarship application processes.
- Experience organizing career development programs, workshops, and student support initiatives.
- Familiarity with local and international university systems and admission requirements is an advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies:
Counseling and Student Support:
- Strong counseling, mentoring, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to support students facing academic, social, emotional, and personal challenges.
- Strong listening, empathy, and problem-solving abilities.
Career and University Guidance:
- Knowledge of career development theories and career planning processes.
- Understanding of local and international university admissions systems.
- Ability to guide students through scholarship and university application processes.
Communication:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong presentation, facilitation, and public speaking abilities.
- Ability to engage effectively with students, parents, staff, and stakeholders.
Organization and Administration:
- Strong organizational and case management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple student cases and programs simultaneously.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
Technology:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
- Ability to use student information systems and career assessment tools.
- Competence in maintaining digital records and analyzing student data.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong commitment to student growth and success.
- High level of professionalism and integrity.
- Student-centered and compassionate approach.
- Excellent leadership and mentoring ability.
- Emotional maturity and sound judgment.
- Solution-oriented and proactive mindset.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.