Counsellor

The School Counsellor brings knowledge of best practices in school counselling and education to serve as student advocate, leader, collaborator, and consultant. The Counsellor is a critical member of the educational team and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to deliver a comprehensive school counselling program to promote and support student success. The Counsellor is committed to continuous professional growth, adheres to a high standard of professional conduct, and practices ethical principles of the school counselling profession at all times.

Position Duties

The Counselor is responsible for and accountable to the following:

Individual Student Planning

• Demonstrate a commitment to the safety and security of children and young people (child protection).
• Provide social, emotional, and academic counselling for students, individually or in group sessions, on an as-needed basis.
• Assist students and families with school transitions (new students, departing students, transitioning from elementary to middle school, etc.).
• Use student data to support decision making in designing effective interventions and counselling services.

Responsive Services

• Participate on the Crisis Management Team on an as-needed basis.
• Provide intervention/support in crisis situations.
• Serve as the Child Protection Designated Lead in responding to and managing all child protection concerns.
• Refer students and their parents, as needed, to appropriate specialists, special programs and/or outside agencies.

System Support

• Consult and advise on admissions and placement decisions for students on an as-needed basis.
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, and the administration to provide academic, social, and emotional support for students.
• Provide information and skills to parents, school staff, administration, and the community to assist them in helping students in academic and social development.
• Conduct in-service training for other stakeholders to share school counselling expertise.

Delivery of Counselling Curriculum

• Collaborate with administrators and counsellors across the District to design, implement and deliver a comprehensive, developmental school counselling program to provide students with the knowledge and skills in the four domains (academic, personal/social; career, and global perspective).
• Become actively involved with students through classroom visitations, presentation of lessons, participation in student activities and being visible during student break, lunch, etc.
• Participate in interdisciplinary curriculum development to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive counselling curriculum.

College Counselling

• Hold appropriate knowledge of US, UK, and other university admissions processes.
• Work with other counsellors on information-sharing sessions regarding university admissions processes to students and parents periodically over students' 11th and 12th grade years.
• Offer support to students in the development of their university application letters and request for letters of recommendation from teachers.
• Communicate regularly with travelling university fairs and help organise visits to the school.

General

• Provide supervision to student after school activity or coach/assistant coach the athletic team.
• Maintain a safe learning environment for students and staff at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal and/or the Assistant Principal.

Qualifications and Knowledge

The ideal candidate will have:

• Advanced degree and certification as a school counsellor.
• A minimum of two years of relevant school experience required; international school experience preferred.
• A strong awareness of child protection and a commitment to ensure the safety of our students.
• Proficient with MS Office/Google Drive Apps.
• Excellent planning, organisation, oral and written English communication skills.

Experience and Skills

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience:

• Prior experience as a school counsellor in a British School.
• A strong awareness of child protection and a commitment to ensure the safety of our students.
• Promote an understanding and appreciation of diverse populations and cultures.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in responding to sensitive issues, including confidential record keeping.
• Positive attitude toward continuous self-improvement.

Skills:

• Ability to demonstrate a track record of continued professional development.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Good interpersonal skills in interacting with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to supervise students in non-classroom settings.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to lead an after-school activity.