Social-Emotional Counselor

Kazakhstan International School Astana

  • Нур-Султан
  • Постоянная работа
  • Полная занятость
  • 19 д. назад
Position SummaryKIS Astana is seeking two Social-Emotional Counselors to support the well-being and holistic development of our students — one for Early Years & Elementary and one for Secondary School.
The Counselors will provide proactive social-emotional learning programs, individual and small-group counseling, and close collaboration with teachers and families. They will help create a caring and inclusive learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive as a learner and community member.Reports to:Relevant Principal and ultimately to the Head of School.Key Responsibilities1. Student SupportProvide short-term, age-appropriate individual and group counseling for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.Support students in developing self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.Assist students in navigating friendship issues, transitions, and emotional growth in line with the school’s mission and IB Learner Profile attributes.Respond to student needs promptly and sensitively, maintaining confidentiality and ethical practice.2. Preventive and Developmental ProgramsDesign and deliver classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and well-being workshops aligned with IB PYP / MYP / DP and AERO frameworks.Partner with teachers to integrate SEL themes—such as kindness, respect, empathy, and emotional regulation—into the daily classroom experience.Lead or co-lead well-being initiatives such as Kindness Week, Anti-Bullying campaigns, and mindfulness or friendship programs.3. Collaboration and ConsultationWork collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, psychologist, administration, and the Student Support Team to ensure a coordinated approach to student well-being.Provide professional guidance to teachers and staff on classroom management, positive discipline, and emotional regulation strategies.Engage with parents through meetings, consultations, and workshops to strengthen home–school partnerships supporting children’s emotional health.Contribute to multi-disciplinary discussions on student progress and support plans.4. Crisis Response and SafeguardingServe as a key member of the school’s Safeguarding and Crisis Response Team.Provide immediate support to students experiencing distress or crisis, ensuring their safety and access to appropriate care.Maintain accurate documentation of counseling sessions and follow-up actions in line with confidentiality and safeguarding protocols.5. School Culture and Program DevelopmentPromote a positive, inclusive school culture that nurtures students’ sense of belonging and community.Support the development and review of school well-being policies and practices.Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development, and the continuous improvement of Student Support Services.Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Education, or Social Work (Master’s preferred).Minimum 3 years of experience working with children or adolescents in educational settings (Early Years/Elementary and/or Secondary).Professional counseling certification or equivalent experience in school-based social-emotional support.Knowledge of social-emotional learning frameworks, child development, and trauma-informed practices.Understanding of international school contexts and the IB philosophy (PYP, MYP, DP) is an advantage.Excellent communication, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.Personal AttributesWarm, compassionate, and student-centered.Skilled in building trust with children, adolescents, and families.Collaborative, reflective, and flexible in approach.Committed to maintaining confidentiality, ethical standards, and continuous professional growth.Culturally sensitive and adaptable to a diverse international community.What we offer:Full-time job:5/2;Work in an international company and participate through professional development, in a multicultural environment;Competitive salary;Opportunities for ongoing professional development;Please submit your CV in English only.KIS is more than academics, more than a school - we are a community with a strong vision & mission.We are pleased to introduce you to Kazakhstan International School (KIS) - Astana. Eventually we plan to offer the IB Programme for Kindergarten through Grade 12 with a rich array of academics, arts, and athletics in a setting that inspires excellence and a love for learning. At the start, from August 2024, we will begin with Kindergarten through Grade 4 (PYP*).Founded in 1998, KIS has made student-centered, inquiry-based learning a priority from the start. From our beginnings as the first Montessori based kindergarten in Almaty, Kazakhstan, we have consistently made decisions with a clear goal in mind: supporting quality student learning and social-emotional growth. With that goal in mind, KIS Astana will develop to become one of a select number of world schools to offer the full IB continuum: PYP (Reception Class to Grade 5), MYP (Grades 6-10) and DP (Grades 11-12).At KIS, we are more than academics; we are a learning community of students, parents, teachers, and staff working together to create a school culture that ensures a world-class, international education.Motto: More than Academics.
Vision: To be a caring, impactful community that excels in learning and in life.
Mission: The KIS community nurtures a growth mindset through a holistic education that connects cultures.

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