What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upper School Social Emotional Counselor position at The Awty International School?
Upper School Social Emotional Counselor
At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.
Description:
The Social Emotional Counselor is experienced and passionate about supporting both individual student needs and whole school initiatives that promote students’ wellness. The ideal candidate will support the school’s purpose and mission: to inspire learners through academic excellence, cultural diversity and multilingual fluency for a life of global impact. This position will help coordinate whole school wellness programs and initiatives, facilitate parent and teacher learning opportunities, and counsel students on an individual and group basis.
This is a full-time position with principal duties and responsibilities in the Upper School. The position commences on August 1, 2026. The counselor will collaborate with all colleagues engaged with student support services for students in both the French Program and the International Program.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a mental-health related field (psychology, social work, counseling)
- LPC, LPCA, LMSW, LCSW or a similar mental health certification
- 5 years of experience in counseling
Ideal Candidate
- Demonstrated and recognized experience as a counselor in a school setting and/or with related age group (9/3EME through 12/TLE)
- Experience providing individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope with academic, social, and personal challenges
- Experience with developing, coordinating, facilitating and/or teaching a secondary social emotional learning program
- Familiarity with the process of interpretation and application of the results of diagnostic neuro-psychological and psycho-educational evaluations
- Ability to consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources to promote students' academic success and social-emotional well-being
- Ability to coordinate support for students and teachers related to a variety of learning and emotional needs
- Fluent in French and/or Spanish
Position Responsibilities and Supporting School Community:
- Nurture student growth and development by:
- Guiding and supporting students in developing the skills and attitudes to self-advocate
- Being present for students, actively listening to their concerns and demonstrating empathy towards them
- Scheduling and coordinating times to meet with students as the need arises
- Incorporating the Learner Profile attributes and Awty Values when working with individual students as a way to support their wellbeing
- Providing individual and small group counselling services
- Devising and delivering culturally sensitive interventions for students who need specific support in the area of social and emotional development based on the behavioral and emotional concerns presented by them
- Meeting regularly with the Upper School Student Support Team
- Monitoring and observing children in the classroom and during break times
- Contributing to student assemblies and/or parent sessions
- Providing crisis intervention and support when needed
- Participating in school trips as necessary
- Child Protection advocacy, training and consultation as needed
- Plan, organize, and teach the G9 Life Skills Course
- Assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor
B. Fulfill related administrative duties such as:
- Documenting and maintaining student records including
- Meeting accreditation requirements
- Assisting teachers in drafting counselling documentation as applicable
- Consulting with the Admissions Director regarding student testing, acceptance and placement
C. To develop the structures and procedures of an effective school counseling programme by:
- Helping build a positive sense of community among staff and students
- Continuing to be informed of current research and best practices in school counselling including ‘The International Model for School Counseling Programs’ through the International Association of School Counselors and collaborating with administration to develop a schoolwide plan for the effective implementation and monitoring of counselling services
- Periodically liaising with the Head of Wellness Counseling and other school counselors across divisions
Competitive salary and benefits
To Apply:
Submit your application through the school's website. All applicants should include a cover letter detailing their experience with curricular leadership, a current resume and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).
Direct inquiries (cover letter, résumé, references) to Penny Cleveland, Head of Counseling at pcleveland@awty.org
The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices.