About This Role
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:
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.
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.