Interim School Counsellor

Here at the International School of The Hague, we believe every student has the potential to thrive. We are looking for an empathetic, active, and adaptable Interim School Counsellor who enjoys working collaboratively to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives during a temporary period of team absence. If you are passionate about fostering emotional resilience, providing a safe and welcoming space, and being part of a close-knit, inspiring team, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

• Employment type
  :
  Part-time ( 0.8 FTE i.e. 32 hours per week).
• Contract
  :
  This is a temporary appointment for 12 months, to cover parental leave and other absence.
• Salary
  :
  In accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Secondary Education (CAO VO) Scale 10: between € 3.665,- en € 5.586,- gross per month based on a full-time contract (depending on your experience).
• Start date
  :
  As soon as possible.
• Location
  :
  The International School of The Hague, Wijndaelerweg 11, Kijkduin.

We are seeking an active, adaptable, and empathetic Interim School Counsellor to join our Student Wellbeing Department during a temporary period of team absence. You will work as part of a small, close-knit team of four counsellors led by our Student Wellbeing Coordinator, operating from a welcoming space featuring three purpose-built rooms designed to be calming and comfortable for our students.

ISH is a diverse, multicultural community that highly values different perspectives and cultures. We are looking for an interim colleague who can hit the ground running, uphold these values, and support our students in becoming well-rounded, emotionally resilient individuals.

In this temporary role, you will step seamlessly into our wellbeing team to deliver key individual and group interventions:

• Deliver individual counselling sessions for students dealing with anxiety, academic pressures, friendship/social dynamics, family challenges, or low mood.
• Provide immediate, flexible support to "drop-in" students experiencing acute moments of challenge or distress.
• Facilitate Student Wellbeing community activities, such as participating and supporting wellbeing themed workshops.
• Partner effectively with teachers, parents, and external agencies to ensure holistic care for our young people.

• Provide high-quality, continuous one-to-one counselling support to secondary students.
• Manage walk-ins and crisis situations with flexibility, calm, and composure.
• Deliver structured classroom wellbeing workshops engagingly to larger student groups.
• Collaborate closely with parents, school staff, and external support organisations.
• Ensure smooth handovers and continuity of care for ongoing student cases throughout the coverage period.

• Relevant counselling qualification (minimum HBO / Bachelor level, or an equivalent international qualification officially recognised in the Netherlands).
• Proven experience in counselling young people and working with youth mental health.
• Experience working within a school setting.
• Ability to adapt quickly and maintain continuity of care in a temporary cover capacity.
• Must have the right to work in the Netherlands independently (we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position).

• Experience working with secondary school students and international school families.
• Working knowledge of Dutch.

• This is a temporary 12-month parental leave cover role, with the potential to extend the contract if needed.
• Generous leave: 53 days of holiday per year (for 1.0 FTE), aligned with the school vacation calendar.
• Benefits such as 8% holiday allowance and an 8.33% year-end bonus.
• Pension & additional perks: ABP pension scheme, travel expense allowance, and collective insurance options.

Learn more about us
:
Check out (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to get a closer look at our school and campus.