School Counsellor

The Hangzhou CIS Counselling position carries responsibility for working in partnership with the residential and non-residential team to promote student well-being and success, providing support services and responding to identified student needs by implementing  school counselling programme that addresses the psychosocial development of all students in care of the school.

The counsellor adheres to the policies, procedures and ethical standards of the school counselling profession. 

This  is  a  challenging  and  complex  position  and  it  is  expected  that  a  successful  candidate would demonstrate the following:  

• Clear sighted and effective leadership of innovation and change. 

• A clear knowledge and understanding of the social and emotional counselling. 

• An interest in researching, sharing, and implementing current best practices.  

• Appropriate skills in developing and maintaining an effective team through collaboration and partnerships

• Consistent public support both within and outside of the school for the CIS mission, as well as for school-wide and secondary policy initiatives. 

• Excellent communication skills. 

• Experience in teaching (would be advantageous) 

Overall responsibility for:  

• Overseeing  the  implementation  and  delivery  of  a  social  and  emotional  school counselling program which compliments existing programmes 

• Leading a pastoral team in a residential setting 

• Further development of the existing wellbeing curriculum in partnership with the Leadership Team

• Supporting all teaching and non-teaching staff with student and parent cases

• Connecting with outside providers and existing consultants on enhancing support for all students and staff 

Policy, Guidance and Professional Development  

• The counsellor helps to guide policies and decision making, provides support programs and makes provision for the social and emotional needs of CIS students.

• At the beginning of the school year the counsellor meets with the Leadership team and Heads of Houses to discuss and review the provision for counselling, clarifying goals, protocols, referral systems and duties.

• The counsellor is familiar with the mission of the school, the aims of school life (see school diary), academic programmes and school policies standards and procedures.

• The counsellor liaises with the Leadership team to agree upon a consistently relevant programme of Professional Development.

• The counsellor is an advocate for students who may be experiencing difficulties at home or at school.

• The counsellor develops training programmes and induction programmes for residential and non-residential staff

Practice:

• The counsellor plays a pivotal role in supporting students on an individual basis with identified personal and social needs, but will also assist families and faculty members in need and work with students in groups as well as individually.

• Delivery of sessions and curriculum as part of our ‘Better Being’ pastoral programme.

• Develops, suggests, and implements developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented group activities to meet student needs and school goals.

• The counsellor supports the school curriculum and its central focus on the psychosocial development of young people in context.

• The counsellor designs workshops on topics such as identity, relationships, sexuality and positive psychology, using current research to support and inform the content and delivery.

• The counsellor proactively engages with the school community on family and home issues and will lead and present parent workshops/information sessions/forums on a regular basis, liaising with the Leadership Team and other colleagues as appropriate to shape the form and content of these workshops.

• The counsellor provides Heads of Houses and Coach Mentors relevant training in practical counselling skills and practices.

• The counsellor will participate in individual case conferences.

• The counsellor participates in a yearly audit with the Leadership team to review the effectiveness of the counselling programme in light of cases encountered throughout the year.

• The counsellor, along with the Leadership Team, seek to accurately interpret student data and information published in student files’ to inform practice.

Transitions:

• The counsellor works closely with Heads of Year on transition programmes for new students and all students as they transition into the Hangzhou Programme and back to Hong Kong.

• The counsellor works closely with Heads of Houses and all teachers to support all new students to CIS.

• Connects with resources, government and organizations in expanding and developing CIS’ network in student support.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Psychological Counselling (or equivalent)

• Experience of school systems, in particular, international schools.

• An ability to connect with adolescents.

• High interest in well-being and Positive Psychology and Positive Education Proven experience in counselling adolescents

• Excellent English Language communication skills

Other Preferred Qualities

The successful candidate will have excellent leadership skills, show initiative, be well experienced in counselling and developing new programmes, be able to facilitate and organize effective meetings, able to work independently and as part of a team, will be patient, resourceful and above all enjoy working with and supporting adolescents.

Please click the Apply button below to submit an application