Primary School Counselor

Position Summary:
The Primary School Counselor is mainly responsible for supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our primary school students and works collaboratively with students, families, and staff to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment. This role includes providing individual and small group counseling, consulting with teachers and parents, and delivering in-class lessons that foster emotional intelligence, healthy relationships, and responsible digital behavior. As a key member of the Student Support Team, the Primary School Counselor serves as a bridge between students, teachers, and parents, ensuring that every child at GWA feels seen, heard, and protected.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Travel Requirements

None

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Student Support:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate whole-class lessons that focus on empathy, resilience, and a deep awareness of self-regulation techniques.

• Small-Group Counseling: Facilitate targeted intervention groups for students dealing with common developmental challenges (e.g., social skills, grief, or transitions).

• Individual Counseling: Provide short-term individual support for students to address immediate social or emotional barriers to learning.

• Responsive Care: Maintain a flexible schedule to respond to student crises or immediate emotional needs as they arise.

Positive Behavior & School Culture

• PBIS Leadership: Support whole-school programs aligned with Positive Behavior Support (PBS), ensuring a consistent and encouraging environment for all learners.

• Behavioral Incentives: Manage and evolve systems of behavioral incentives that motivate students to meet community expectations.

• Student Recognition: Oversee and coordinate systems to celebrate student character, including "Students of the Week" and the recognition of "Upstanders" during Primary School Assemblies.

• Anti-Bullying: Implement school-wide anti-bullying techniques and restorative justice practices to promote a culture of kindness and courage.

Safety & Advocacy

• Child Protection: Act as a primary resource for child protection services, ensuring all school and local safety protocols are strictly followed.

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

Collaborative Consultation

• Teacher Partnership: Consult with classroom teachers to provide strategies for managing behavioral challenges and supporting inclusive classroom environments.

• Parent Engagement: Conduct parent workshops and individual meetings to align home and school support systems.

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

5. 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 required, preferably within an international or American-curriculum school.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• High level of flexibility and the ability to pivot in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills for managing documentation, incentive tracking, and assembly schedules.

• A deep commitment to student confidentiality and ethical practice.

• Familiarity with online platforms and technology tools. 

• Fluency in English is required; French or Arabic is an asset. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and families.

• Previous international teaching or working experience in a multicultural environment is a plus.