Job Title: Student Mental Health Counsellor
Organisation: Rainbow International School Uganda
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
Rainbow International School, Kampala is a 2 – 18 co-educational day and boarding school serving a mixture of expatriate and Ugandan families based in Kampala, Uganda. Rainbow is a well established International School following the English curriculum and is a member of COBIS – the Council of British International Schools. The school is also accredited by CIE, Pearson and the British Council for the delivery of IELTS. The Secondary Section follows the Cambridge IGCSE, AS, A Level as well as BTEC programmes,
Job Summary: We are seeking a dedicated, Certified, Student Mental Health Counsellor to join our team. The successful candidate will provide essential mental health support and guidance to students throughout the school, promoting their emotional well-being and academic success. This is a part-time position covering 3 days a week.
This is not a “behind-the-desk” role. As our Mental Health Practitioner, you will be deeply woven into the fabric of whole-school life. You will support a diverse student population spanning Early Years to Pre-University (ages 3-19), tailoring your approach to meet a wide range of developmental needs.
Beyond supporting our students, you will be a vital resource for our families and staff, helping us build a cohesive, empathetic, and resilient school community.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Student Counselling & Mental Health Support
- Deliver confidential short-term individual counselling and group interventions.
- Support students with anxiety, mood, social challenges, identity, academic pressure, grief.
- Conduct risk assessments, safety planning, and reintegration support.
- Maintain confidential records; refer to external providers when appropriate.
Preventative Wellbeing Education
- Design and deliver workshops and assemblies on resilience, emotional literacy, stress management, digital wellbeing, healthy relationships, and transitions
- Contribute to Personal Development and wellbeing curriculum and awareness campaigns
- Promote student voice and peer wellbeing initiatives
Parent & Staff Partnership
- Advise parents on adolescent emotional health; facilitate parent workshops
- Deliver staff professional development on wellbeing, safeguarding, and mental health
- Support culturally sensitive communication with diverse families
Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to wellbeing strategy, policy development, and evidence-informed practices
- Analyse trends and emerging student needs
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychotherapy, Guidance & Counselling, Social Work, or related field
- Professional registration and certification with a recognised body
- Three or more years of experience working as a Mental health professional or Counsellor within an educational setting
- Experience with neurodiverse learners, crisis intervention, and vulnerable children risk assessment.
- Strong understanding of child and adolescent development
- Ability to assess student needs and develop appropriate intervention plans
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Confidentiality and ethical practice in handling sensitive information
Essential attributes:
- Passion & Empathy: A genuine, demonstrable drive to improve the mental health and well-being of children, underpinned by empathy, patience, and a sincere commitment to student welfare.
- Versatility & Proactivity: The ability to pivot effortlessly from play-based therapeutic approaches for Early Years children to teenage-focused guidance for secondary students, combined with a proactive attitude toward identifying issues early.
- Global Mindset & Inclusivity: As an international school, open-mindedness is non-negotiable.
- You must possess the cultural competence to connect with families from diverse nationalities and foster an inclusive environment that respects differences.
- Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust quickly and work effectively as a team player alongside teachers, parents, and administration.
- Professional Integrity & Growth: The judgment to balance student confidentiality with safeguarding duties—accurately discerning when to escalate to the Designated Safeguarding Lead—paired with a dedication to continuous professional development.
- If you are passionate about supporting students’ mental health within an international school community committed to excellence, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
How to Apply:
Please email your application letter and a detailed CV to applications@risu.sc.ug. Address your application letter to the Principal.
CV Format: Please include a passport-sized photo at the top of the first page.
References: Include the names and contact details of three professional referees (recent & current Headteachers, Principals, or Heads of School).
Attachments: Do not attach certificates or reference letters at this stage.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Deadline: 7th June 2026
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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Level of Education: bachelor degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 36