Primary School Counselor

Position Summary:
The Primary School Counselor is essential in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our primary school students. This role involves working in partnership with students, families, and staff to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. Duties include offering individual and small group counseling, consulting with teachers and parents, and conducting in-class lessons that enhance emotional intelligence, foster healthy relationships, and promote responsible digital behavior. As a vital member of the Student Support Team, the Primary School Counselor serves as a bridge between students, educators, and families, ensuring every child at GWA feels recognized, valued, and secure.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Travel Requirements:
None

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct Student Support:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Design and implement engaging, age-appropriate lessons for the entire class that focus on empathy, resilience, and self-regulation strategies.

• Small-Group Counseling: Facilitate targeted intervention groups for students dealing with common developmental issues such as social skills, grief, or transitions.

• Individual Counseling: Provide short-term individual support to students to help them navigate immediate social or emotional challenges affecting their learning.

• Responsive Care: Be readily available to address student crises or urgent emotional needs as they arise.

• Positive Behavior & School Culture
• PBIS Leadership: Participate in school-wide initiatives aligned with Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to develop a consistent and supportive environment for all students.

• Behavioral Incentives: Create and manage incentive systems that motivate students to adhere to community standards.

• Student Recognition: Plan and oversee recognition programs for student character, including "Students of the Week" and the acknowledgment of "Upstanders" during Primary School Assemblies.

• Anti-Bullying: Execute comprehensive anti-bullying strategies and restorative justice practices to promote a culture of kindness and bravery.

• Safety & Advocacy
• Child Protection: Act as a vital resource for child protection services, ensuring compliance with all school and local safety regulations.

• Digital Citizenship: Lead initiatives and workshops focused on Internet Safety, helping students navigate the digital world responsibly.

• Collaborative Consultation
• Teacher Partnership: Collaborate with classroom teachers to provide strategies for managing behavioral challenges and fostering inclusive classroom environments.

• Parent Engagement: Coordinate parent workshops and individual consultations to align home and school support systems.

• Multidisciplinary Team: Work closely with the learning support team and administration to develop comprehensive student success plans.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• A Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of 2 years of counseling experience in a primary school setting is necessary, preferably in an international or American-curriculum institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Show a high level of flexibility and the ability to adapt in a dynamic environment.

• Possess strong organizational skills for managing documentation, tracking incentives, and scheduling assemblies.

• Maintain a strong commitment to student confidentiality and ethical practices.

• Have familiarity with online platforms and technological tools.

• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or Arabic is a plus.

• Exhibit strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, staff, and families.

• Previous international teaching experience or work in a multicultural environment is an advantage.