Job Title: School Counselor
Position Type: Part-time
School Counselor Job Overview:
The ideal candidate will be a culturally sensitive, licensed mental health professional with a passion for supporting the social, emotional, and psychological well- being of students and staff from diverse backgrounds. In this role, the counselor will provide individual and group therapy services to students, offer professional development and counseling support to teachers, and collaborate closely with the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) team to foster a positive and supportive school environment.
The School Counselor will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, and the wider school community, to ensure a holistic approach to student well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Counseling & Therapy:
Provide individual and group counseling to students from Preschool through Grade 8, assessing and supporting a variety of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, school transitions, peer relationships, etc.).
Develop individualized therapeutic interventions based on the developmental and cultural needs of students, using evidence-based approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, etc.).
Conduct psychological assessments to identify student needs and provide appropriate interventions and support.
Offer short-term and long-term counseling services, while maintaining an appropriate balance between therapeutic and educational priorities. Provide crisis intervention and emotional support in times of need, including handling emergency situations involving students’ mental health or well-being.
Maintain confidential and accurate records of student progress, treatment plans, and counseling sessions in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
Develop and implement therapeutic interventions, strategies, and support plans tailored to individual student needs.
Teacher Support & Consultation:
Provide guidance and consultation to teachers on how to manage classroom dynamics and effectively address the emotional and behavioral needs of students.
Offer professional development workshops for teachers and staff on topics such as trauma-informed practices, mental health awareness, managing classroom stress, and promoting positive student behavior. Support teachers in creating a nurturing classroom environment that promotes social and emotional development, inclusivity, and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.
Collaborate with teachers to identify early signs of mental health concerns and provide guidance on appropriate interventions, and action plans to address those needs.
emotional and social development of students.
Offer parent counseling, resources, and workshops on topics such as managing child development, supporting mental health at home, and promoting positive family dynamics.
Assist families in accessing external mental health resources and community services when needed.
Maintain open lines of communication with parents about their child’s emotional and social well-being, while respecting confidentiality and cultural sensitivities.
Advocate for students and families to ensure equitable access to services and support both within the school and the broader community.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Collaboration:
Serve as a key member of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) team, collaborating with other educators to design, implement, and evaluate SEL programs and initiatives for students and staff.
Assist in integrating SEL principles and strategies into the curriculum across grade levels.
Support school-wide initiatives aimed at promoting a positive, inclusive school climate, fostering emotional intelligence, positive peer relationship, reducing bullying, and teaching students essential social and emotional skills.
Provide insights into cultural considerations and best practices when working with a diverse student body, ensuring SEL initiatives are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of students from various cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Provide input on the development of school policies related to student well-being, mental health, and behavior.
Participate in regular meetings with the SEL team to identify areas for improvement, and discuss strategies for supporting the school community.
Family & Community Engagement:
Develop strong partnerships with parents and guardians to support the
Cultural sensitivity and experience working with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Experience in program development and the implementation of SEL initiatives.
Proficiency with counseling software, case management, and data tracking tools.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all professional interactions.
Experience in play therapy, art therapy, or other therapeutic modalities for younger children.
Strong verbal and written command of the English language: fluency in an additional language-especially Sesotho is highly desirable.
Certification or training in trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, or mindfulness-based interventions.
Administrative Duties:
Maintain confidential case notes, treatment plans, and progress reports for students in accordance with school policies and ethical standards. Monitor and report on student progress and program effectiveness, providing updates to school leadership as needed.
Assist in data collection and analysis related to student well-being, SEL program outcomes, and school climate.
Participate in team meetings, including meetings with school administration, learning support teams, and other stakeholders to discuss student progress and concerns.
Qualifications:
Education & Certification:
Master’s degree in School Counseling. Clinical Psychology. Social Work, or a related field.
Valid licensure as a school counselor, school psychologist, or mental health professional (e.g., LPC, LCSW, or equivalent). Familiarity with international education settings and cultural competency is highly preferred.
Experience:
At least 3 years of experience providing counseling and mental health services in a school setting, or with children in private practice; preferably with students from Preschool through Grade 8.
Experience working in an international or multicultural environment is a significant advantage.
Provide consultation and support to teachers to address students’ emotional and behavioral needs within the classroom.
Lead professional development workshops and training for teachers on topics such as social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, classroom management, and coping strategies.
As needed, provide counseling support to teachers to support their emotional well-being.
Proven experience in providing crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and managing sensitive student situations. Strong understanding of child and adolescent development. as well as the unique challenges faced by students in transient international school settings.
How to apply: If you are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students, teachers and the community at large, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience to [email protected] by 06 February 2025.