EY- 12 Social Emotional Counselor

Graded - The American School of São Paulo; São Paulo; On-site; BRL 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Graded is seeking an experienced school counselor to support a comprehensive SEL program aligned with ISCA/ASCA standards. The role emphasizes confidentiality, collaboration with teachers and families, and culturally-responsive practices.

Responsibilities span universal, targeted, and intensive supports within an MTSS framework, including training staff, crisis response, and safeguarding. Fluency in English is required and prior safeguarding experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's in school counseling or equivalent required.
• Valid certification or substantial equivalent in school counseling.
• Fluent in English, written and verbal.
• Minimum two years of experience as a school counselor.
• Experience with safeguarding frameworks and collaboration with staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide universal SEL supports and lead school-wide programs.
• Deliver targeted and small-group counseling for students in need.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop behavior expectations and MTSS.
• Lead training for teachers on SEL strategies and mental health awareness.
• Coordinate with external partners and safeguard teams when needed.

Skills

English fluency

Empathy

Collaboration

Education

Master's in school counseling

Valid counseling certification

Job description

Primary Purpose of the Position

Graded’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Counseling Team integrates international and American best practices to support student well-being. Grounded in the standards set by the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the approach is proactive, data-informed, and culturally-responsive

This comprehensive SEL program promotes practices building emotional resilience, academic success, and personal growth. These practices and procedures exist within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework and include confidentiality, consent, referrals, and collaboration with Graded teachers and specialists, as well as external specialists. Fostering equity and inclusion is a core component of the counseling program

Counselors provide support that is accessible and culturally responsive to all students, regardless of background or individual circumstances. They advocate for students facing systemic barriers within the Graded community and work to cultivate an inclusive school environment where every student has an opportunity to succeed

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Tier 1: Universal Supports

• Serve as a student advocate for all students on their caseload;
• Lead divisionally and contribute to divisional social-emotional learning (SEL) programs;
• Collaborate with school leadership to further develop school-wide behavior expectations.
• Lead student of concern processes with teacher teams, brainstorming strategies that include SEL, executive functioning, behavioral, and instructional strategies.
• Participate in divisional Student Support Team (SST) processes;
• Provide teacher and staff training on SEL strategies and mental health awareness;
• Support and/or lead conflict resolution and peer mediation;
• Organize and/or support wellness and resilience-building initiatives;
• Organize and lead parent educational workshops on SEL topics and student mental health.
• Lead, assist, and/or deliver MS Advisory, HS Mentoring, LS Guidance, and HS Seminar curricula that integrate SEL principles;
• Transition students in and out of Graded and between school divisions. Meet with new students and families for orientation and transition support;
• Advise and communicate with trip leaders regarding precautions for students of concern prior to school trips;
• Lead and participate in CSG training for faculty and staff and deliver CSG lessons to students;
• Lead the Student Ambassador Program.

Tier 2: Targeted Supports

• Provide time-limited individual or small-group interventions for students requiring additional social-emotional or behavioral support;
• Provide short-term individual and group counseling to address students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.

Tier 3: Intensive Supports

• Collaborative work with external support services to promote student well-being;
• Develop and case manage individualized student support and plans, such as behavior plans and SEL accommodation plans;
• Co-case manage individual student plans with learning support and nursing when needed;
• Participate in the Crisis Management Response Team when needed;
• Participate in child safeguarding response teams;
• Receive, document, and report child safeguarding concerns.

Certifications and Education

• Master's in school counseling or equivalent and a valid certification (or the substantial equivalent);
• Training and experience in child safeguarding practices and processes;
• Fluent in English written and verbal communication.

Experience

Minimum two years of experience serving as a school counselor.

Experience in child safeguarding frameworks, systems, and protocols.

Experience fostering a collaborative and supportive approach when working alongside teachers, parents, and administration.

Experience leading the support of SEL issues through peer mediation, restorative practices, and targeted interventions.