Job Description

The AEP Counsellor provides direct and indirect counselling services to AEP students across academic, social-emotional and personal domains. Working within an MTSS framework (?),the counsellor delivers Tier 1 universal supports (e.g. wellbeing lessons, transition programmes, orientation), Tier 2 targeted group interventions and Tier 3 individual counselling as needed. The counsellor collaborates closely with the AEP teaching team, families and the wider school Student Support Department to ensure a coordinated, whole- child approach to student wellbeing.



Role and Responsibilities

The AEP Counsellor will:

• Implement a comprehensive school counselling programme within the AEP that addresses students’ academic, social-emotional and personal development needs

• Utilise universal, targeted and intensive counselling interventions

• Provide individual and small-group counselling to AEP students experiencing social- emotional, behavioural or adjustment difficulties

• Design and deliver Tier 1 well being lessons, orientation programmes and transition support for students entering and exiting the AEP

• Support students’ cultural adjustment, identity development and sense of belonging within the school community

• Collaborate with AEP teachers to identify students at risk and develop appropriate intervention plans

• Monitor and track student well being data, maintaining accurate and confidential records in line with school policy and professional standards

• Liaise with parents and families to provide guidance, communicate concerns and support students’ progress, including navigating cross-cultural communication where needed

• Work collaboratively with the school’s Student Support Department, including learning support staff, school psychologists and external professionals as appropriate

• Contribute to the development of AEP policies and procedures related to student well being, safeguarding and pastoral care

• Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, following school safeguarding and child protection protocols

• Support AEP staff with strategies for managing student well being and behaviour in the classroom

• Assist with the admissions process by providing insight into prospective students’ social-emotional readiness for the programme

• Provide detailed weekly well being updates to AEP staff and contribute to progress reports home to families

• Attend morning briefings, staff meetings and professional development activities as required

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in school counselling, particularly as it relates to English language learners and culturally diverse populations

• Establish effective working relationships with colleagues, parents and external agencies

• Participate in all aspects of school life and support holistic education

• Perform any other duties as assigned by the AEP Program Leader or Head of School



Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Advanced degree in School Counselling, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, School Psychology or a related field

• Previous training and/or certification in school counselling, school-based social work or school psychology

• Minimum three years’ experience working in schools as a school counsellor, social worker or school psychologist

• Previous training and/or experience working with primary and/or secondary-aged students (Years 5–8 / Ages 10–14)

• Exceptional interpersonal communication and professional collaboration skills

• Strong organisational skills and excellent command of the English language

• Must demonstrate flexibility, strong work habits and a positive attitude

• Proficiency in using school systems, databases, communications platforms and educational technology

Preferred:

• Previous and current training in child protection and/or safeguarding issues

• Knowledge and/or experience providing school counselling support within an MTSS (or RtI) model.

• Knowledge and/or experience with the standards and practices of the American School Counsellors Association (ASCA) and/or International School Counsellors Association

• Experience working with English as an Additional Language (EAL) students and their families

• Understanding of the social-emotional and cultural dimensions of second language acquisition and cross-cultural transition

• Experience as a special education teacher or interventionist

• Experience in an international school environment

• Fluency in English is required; the ability to communicate in Mandarin, Korean or Japanese is helpful to support effective communication, inclusive practice and parent outreach