Counselor

Hong Kong International School; Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Hong Kong International School (HKIS) invites applications for a Lower Primary School Counselor dedicated to preventative and responsive services. The role focuses on delivering social-emotional learning, individual and group counseling, and collaboration with teachers, parents and specialists to support students’ growth.

The counselor will uphold HKIS standards, engage in data-driven program development, and contribute to admissions screening.

Qualifications

• Master’s or advanced degree in Counseling; School Counseling preferred.
• Minimum five years' experience as a school counselor.
• Experience leading parent and student groups; cross-cultural setting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver developmentally appropriate Social Emotional Learning lessons.
• Provide individual and group counseling for students.
• Collaborate with parents and educators to support students in educational, career and life planning.
• Assist in Lower Primary admissions screening.
• Maintain documentation and monitor program effectiveness.
• Coordinate with teachers, Learning Specialists, School Psychologist and Administrators.

Skills

Solid counseling knowledge

Growth mindset

Interpersonal skills

Written and oral communication

ISCA/ASCA framework

Curriculum development

Data interpretation

Technology for planning

Collaboration

Child safeguarding

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling (School Counseling preferred)

Job description

The Lower Primary School Counseling model is purposely built to meet the needs of students during early childhood. Having a counselor dedicated to each grade level creates opportunities to offer preventative and proactive support as well as responsive services to each student. Building and maintaining relationships with students and their families throughout their journey in our Lower Primary School ensures a continuity of care throughout these foundational years. Lower Primary School Counseling responsibilities include:

Delivery of regular developmentally appropriate Social Emotional Learning lessons

Individual parent consultations and division-wide parent workshops

Collaboration with teachers, Learning Specialists, School Psychologist, Administrators and outside providers as part of the wider Student Support Service Team

Support with the Lower Primary admissions screening

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Preventative services

• Implement developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented activities and curriculum to meet student needs and school goals.
• Incorporate the life skills that students need to be successful in the twenty-first century.

Individual Guidance

• Assist students with developing academic, career and personal/social skills, goals and plans.
• Collaborate with parents and educators to support students in educational, career and life planning and decision‑making.

Responsive Counseling Services

• Provide individual and group counseling to students with identified concerns and needs.
• Provide support and resources for students, faculty and families during times of crisis.
• Implement an effective referral and follow‑up process as needed.

Documentation and Monitoring

• Maintain and provide appropriate information to school personnel related to the comprehensive school counselling program.
• Collect and analyze data to review and guide program direction and emphasis.
• Monitor student performance data and facilitates interventions as needed.

Other:

• Communicate on an on‑going basis with classroom teachers, other specialists, administrators and parents.
• Maintain a positive, nurturing, collaborative and consultative‑type relationship. Assist in the transition of students to the next grade, division or tertiary institution.
• Fulfil the specific requirements of the respective divisions.
• Undertake other duties and functions as required that will impact and strengthen the contributions of the department and overall operations of the school.

Minimum requirements and qualifications:

Education:

Master’s or advanced degree in Counseling or equivalent (School Counseling preferred)

Experience:

Minimum of five years' experience as a counselor in a school context at the relevant grade/age level.

Experience leading and facilitating parent and student groups within a culturally diverse setting.

Required skills:

• Solid counseling knowledge and skills
• A growth mindset
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with faculty, parents, students, and administrators
• Have strong written and oral communication skills
• Have a working understanding of the ISCA and/ or ASCA counseling framework
• Have interest and experience in curriculum development and delivery, preferably in counseling curriculum
• Ability to collect and interpret individual and group data
• Skilled in the use of technology for student planning, documentation, and the virtual delivery of counseling program
• Be enthusiastic about collaboration and professional development
• Commitment to child safeguarding

In order to successfully fulfil your role as a teacher, you are expected to meet or exceed the HKIS teacher competency standards as articulated in the Teacher Rubric.

Life‑long learner: Passionate about professional and personal growth and continuously improving one's teaching practices.

Spiritually centered: Committed to understanding and respecting Christianity, other religions and spiritual journeys.

Collaborative and relational: Enthusiastic about sharing professional practices and teamwork.

Focused: Committed to the HKIS Mission, Vision, and Student Learning Results.

Community builder: Willingness to participate in HKIS community events.

Global minded: Understands, respects and appreciates diverse cultures, a sense of global stewardship and responsibility.

Child Protection Statement:

At HKIS, each child’s welfare is paramount. We act to ensure that our students enjoy the right to be protected from harm and exploitation and have their welfare safeguarded.

Hong Kong International School (HKIS) offers a coeducational program for students from Pre‑K to 12 (age 4-18), providing an American-style curriculum to US and international students and with English as the language of instruction. As a Christian school with an international outlook, HKIS is sensitive to the needs of its culturally and religiously diverse community of more than 40 nationalities represented among over 3,000 students.