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Upper School Social Emotional Counselor

Awty International School, Houston, TX, United States


At Awty, we believe that students learn best and faculty perform best in a culture of vibrant diversity. Diversity is an essential quality of our school environment; our commitment to learning and the pursuit of excellence can occur only in such a context. It helps us guide our students to become responsible world citizens. Our commitment to learning about and respecting one another’s diversity brings distinct richness to the Awty experience for students, alumni, employees, and parents.

Description:
The Social Emotional Counselor is experienced and passionate about supporting both individual student needs and whole school initiatives that promote students’ wellness. The ideal candidate will support the school’s purpose and mission: to inspire learners through academic excellence, cultural diversity and multilingual fluency for a life of global impact. This position will help coordinate whole school wellness programs and initiatives, facilitate parent and teacher learning opportunities, and counsel students on an individual and group basis.

This is a full-time position with principal duties and responsibilities in the Upper School. The position commences on August 1, 2026. The counselor will collaborate with all colleagues engaged with student support services for students in both the French Program and the International Program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Advanced degree in a mental-health related field (psychology, social work, counseling)

LPC, LPCA, LMSW, LCSW or a similar mental health certification

5 years of experience in counseling

Ideal Candidate

Demonstrated and recognized experience as a counselor in a school setting and/or with related age group (9/3EME through 12/TLE)

Experience providing individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope with academic, social, and personal challenges

Experience with developing, coordinating, facilitating and/or teaching a secondary social emotional learning program

Familiarity with the process of interpretation and application of the results of diagnostic neuro-psychological and psycho-educational evaluations

Ability to consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and community resources to promote students' academic success and social-emotional well-being

Ability to coordinate support for students and teachers related to a variety of learning and emotional needs

Fluent in French and/or Spanish

Position Responsibilities and Supporting School Community

Nurture student growth and development by:

Guiding and supporting students in developing the skills and attitudes to self-advocate

Being present for students, actively listening to their concerns and demonstrating empathy towards them

Scheduling and coordinating times to meet with students as the need arises

Incorporating the Learner Profile attributes and Awty Values when working with individual students as a way to support their wellbeing

Providing individual and small group counselling services

Devising and delivering culturally sensitive interventions for students who need specific support in the area of social and emotional development based on the behavioral and emotional concerns presented by them

Meeting regularly with the Upper School Student Support Team

Monitoring and observing children in the classroom and during break times

Contributing to student assemblies and/or parent sessions

Providing crisis intervention and support when needed

Participating in school trips as necessary

Child Protection advocacy, training and consultation as needed

Plan, organize, and teach the G9 Life Skills Course

Assuming other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor

B. Fulfill related administrative duties such as:

Documenting and maintaining student records including

Meeting accreditation requirements

Assisting teachers in drafting counselling documentation as applicable

Consulting with the Admissions Director regarding student testing, acceptance and placement

C. To develop the structures and procedures of an effective school counseling programme by:

Helping build a positive sense of community among staff and students

Continuing to be informed of current research and best practices in school counselling including ‘The International Model for School Counseling Programs’ through the International Association of School Counselors and collaborating with administration to develop a schoolwide plan for the effective implementation and monitoring of counselling services

Periodically liaising with the Head of Wellness Counseling and other school counselors across divisions

Competitive salary and benefits

To Apply:
Submit your application through theschool's website . All applicants should include a cover letter detailing their experience with curricular leadership, a current resume and three professional references (including your most recent direct supervisor).

The Awty International School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ethnic or religious beliefs, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and athletic and other school-administered programs or in its employment practices.

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