Lower and Middle School Social Emotional Counselor

Graded - The American School of São Paulo; São Paulo; On-site; BRL 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Graded – The American School of São Paulo seeks a School Counselor to support student well-being through SEL programs and MTSS-aligned practices. The role emphasizes equity, collaboration with teachers and families, and crisis response.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in school counseling, safeguarding training, and at least two years of experience, with fluency in English and a commitment to inclusive education.

Qualifications

• Master's in school counseling or equivalent.
• Valid child safeguarding certification or training.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.
• Minimum two years as a school counselor.
• Experience applying SEL, restorative practices, and collaboration with families.

Responsibilities

• Provide universal and targeted SEL supports for all students.
• Lead and deliver MS/HS counseling curricula and mentoring programs.
• Collaborate with teachers, leaders, and families on student well-being.
• Lead crisis management and safeguarding response when needed.
• Develop individualized student support plans and referrals.

Skills

SEL Programs

Student advocacy

Crisis management

Conflict resolution

Collaboration with staff

Education

Master's in school counseling

Safeguarding training

Job description

*Upload your CV in EnglishPrimary Purpose of the PositionGraded’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-responsiveThis 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 ResponsibilitiesTier 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 EducationMaster'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.ExperienceMinimum 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.Escolaridade Mínima: Pós-graduação - Mestrado