The International School of Bergen is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and highly skilled School Counsellor to join our vibrant IB World School in Norway.
Hva vi ser etter
Application
We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced counsellors who are genuinely committed to relocating to Norway and becoming part of our school community.
Please submit the following documents by email with the subject line "US School Counsellor Application" to laura.mcguffie@isbergen.no:
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A current CV.
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A covering letter explaining your relevant counseling experience, qualifications, experience working with children and young people, and motivation for working at the International School of Bergen.
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Contact details for two professional referees, including your current or most recent employer.
Important - Relocation to Norway
Please only apply if you are seriously considering relocating to Bergen, Norway.
Candidates who are currently living outside Norway should be prepared to relocate and meet the relevant Norwegian immigration, visa and work permit requirements, where applicable.
As part of the application process, candidates may be asked to provide information regarding their nationality/passport country and current country of residence so that the school can establish the appropriate immigration and work permit requirements.
This is an on-site based position in Bergen, Norway.
Safeguarding
The International School of Bergen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All appointments must provide a police background check from your home country and any country you have resided in for 6+ months in the last 10 years. Police background checks must be no more than 3 months old and can be presented prior to appointment.
All staff are expected to uphold the school's safeguarding policies and Code of Conduct.
Previous applicants should reapply if you are still seriously interested in the position.
If you have any questions in regards to this position, please contact Peter Ledger, Director peter.ledger@isbergen.no or Laura McGuffie, HR and Finance Manager laura.mcguffie@isbergen.no
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified, so early applications are encouraged.
Closing Date for applications is 27th November 2026
Arbeidsoppgaver
About the Role
The School Counsellor will provide proactive and responsive counselling services to students across the school while supporting the implementation of a whole-school wellbeing programme consistent with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate.
The role includes:
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Providing confidential individual and small-group counselling.
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Supporting students with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs.
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Delivering preventative wellbeing programmes and age-appropriate classroom guidance.
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Promoting resilience, self-management, positive relationships and emotional wellbeing.
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Working collaboratively with teachers to identify and support students requiring additional care.
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Advising school leadership on student wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral care.
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Liaising effectively with parents and guardians to support student success.
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Coordinating referrals to external professionals and Norwegian support services where appropriate.
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Supporting crisis response and student reintegration following significant life events.
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Maintaining accurate, confidential records in accordance with GDPR and Norwegian legislation.
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Contributing to safeguarding procedures and child protection practices.
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Supporting transitions between PYP and MYP where applicable), ensuring continuity of care.
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Promoting inclusion, diversity, intercultural understanding and student voice.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
Essential
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A recognised qualification in Counselling, School Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Work or a related field.
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Professional registration or eligibility for registration where applicable.
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Experience working with children and adolescents in a school setting.
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Strong understanding of child and adolescent development.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students, families and staff.
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Commitment to safeguarding and child protection.
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High levels of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
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Excellent spoken and written English.
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A genuine willingness and ability to relocate to Bergen, Norway.
Desirable
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Previous experience within an IB World School.
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Knowledge of the IB Learner Profile and IB Approaches to Learning (ATL).
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Experience supporting internationally mobile or multilingual students.
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Experience working within multicultural communities.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative practices.
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who is:
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Compassionate and approachable.
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Calm and solution-focused.
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Collaborative and reflective.
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Culturally responsive and internationally minded.
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An excellent listener with sound professional judgement.
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Passionate about student wellbeing and inclusion.
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Committed to continuous professional learning.
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Open to embracing life and work within an international school community in Norway.
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Why Join Us?
Our school offers:
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A welcoming and diverse international community.
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Students representing many nationalities and cultures.
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A collaborative and supportive staff culture.
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Commitment to ongoing professional development.
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Competitive salary and pension.
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The opportunity to live and work in one of the world's most beautiful and family-friendly countries.