Head of Pastoral Care

ROLE SUMMARY:

For the Geneva English School (GES), the Head of Pastoral Care is a senior leadership position that oversees student well-being across both the Primary (Genthod) and Secondary (Versoix) campuses.

This role is unique at GES as it often integrates the duties of a School Psychologist, requiring a professional who can blend administrative leadership with deep clinical or psychological insight to support a community of over 60 nationalities.

The Head of Pastoral Care at GES is the strategic lead for student well-being, safeguarding, and personal development. Given the required strong background in Psychology, you will serve as the school’s primary expert on mental health, Social-Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) strategies, and adolescent development. You will lead a "whole-school" approach to ensure that the GES values of Integrity, Community, and Resilience are reflected in every student’s daily experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Pastoral Strategy: Design and implement a whole-school wellbeing framework that monitors healthy behaviour, social development, and inclusive play.
• Psychological Support: Provide one-on-one support for students facing complex emotional or social challenges, utilizing your clinical background to advise teachers and parents on effective interventions.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Act as the lead authority for child protection and safeguarding across all age groups (Early Years to Year 13), ensuring strict compliance with international and Swiss regulations.
• Curriculum Leadership (PSHE): Coordinate and deliver the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) curriculum, tailoring sessions to address modern challenges like digital safety and mental health awareness.
• Team Mentorship: Lead and train the pastoral team, including Form Tutors and peer mentors, helping them build strong, supportive relationships with students.
• Community Liaison: Serve as a bridge between the school and external medical or psychological professionals, as well as maintaining proactive communication with the GES parent community.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Academic Background: A Master’s degree in Psychology, School Counseling, or a related field is essential.
• Professional Experience: Significant leadership experience in a pastoral or therapeutic role within an international or British school setting.
• Key Skills: High emotional intelligence, expertise in safeguarding protocols, and the ability to manage complex cases with absolute discretion.
• Language: Native or near-native fluency in English; proficiency in French is highly desirable to facilitate communication with local Swiss authorities and specialists.
• Permit Status: Due to Swiss regulations, candidates typically need to be Swiss citizens, EU/EFTA passport holders, or hold a valid Swiss work permit.  

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.