Counselor

Overview

UWC ISAK Japan’s counselors provide a safe and healing space for students to be accepted and supported in challenges they may face. Challenges can range from academic stress, peer relationships, relocation, conflicts at home, or other psychological and emotional issues that may feel burdensome, even overwhelming. The counselors work collaboratively with students to develop resources and skills that help them face these challenges in a healthy way. If students need additional resources not available within the school community, ISAK counselors will refer to local and regional professionals, as well as communicating with relevant faculty/staff and the family of the student, to provide support for the student. The counselors are key members of the student support team and are also part of the safeguarding team.

Required Academic and Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, or a related discipline, (Graduate degree preferred) along with a practitioner Counseling qualification
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with young people aged 15-18 years – experience working in an International School environment and/or residential setting is preferred
• Business-level English is a must. Bilingual abilities are desirable although not essential (Japanese is an advantage)
• Technological proficiency (ability to use spreadsheets, PowerPoint, etc.). We use ManageBac and MyConcern platforms
• Strong written, verbal and organizational skills, with an emphasis on confidentiality, tact and diplomacy
• Due to the location of our school, a Japanese or international driver’s permit (IDP) is a must

Roles and Responsibilities

Communication

Provide information about the counseling and wellbeing program to parents, students and faculty Support relationships and communication between community members

Administration

Support students in navigating their mental and emotional well-being Offer times to meet with students, where they can feel heard and supported in a non-judgemental setting Provide a space where students can de-stress in a guided/supported manner Coordinate adequate support for students with the faculty/staff and their families Refer students to other medical professionals when necessary Provide psychoeducational information and workshops for students, their families, and the faculty/staff Keep communication between students and counselors confidential except in cases of danger to self and others Use MyConcern to record meetings with and observations of students that need to be documented  

The counselor will:

• Possess an understanding that health and wellness is at the core of a student’s academic and university application success as well as their sense and ability to maintain a state of wellbeing
• Hold student-initiated meetings and meet with students referred by teachers, parents and administrators. Listen to student issues, ask clarifying questions and encourage students to guide a discussion of strategies that they might employ to address their issues
• Where necessary, organize sessions as needed with students to support them and follow up on their progress
• Where necessary, refer students to an external therapist or psychiatrist. Work with external professionals and parents, to support students in treatment
• Work with Advisors and teachers to gather information about students’ emotional well being and support systems and require follow up where necessary
• Support the adults in the school community with their own issues as needed
• Offer social-emotional programs to students on relevant topics based around health and well being
• Work with the Director of Student Wellbeing and DHOP to create programs to be delivered through House Mentors
• Attend weekly meetings of the Counseling Department
• Serve as a member of the Student Support Team and attend weekly meetings
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information disclosed during sessions
• Keep accurate notes of counseling sessions in a timely manner
• Develop counseling policies and procedures with members of the counseling department
• Notify and work with administration when there is indication or the belief that a student is in harm’s way or that the counseling department lacks the resources to adequately support a student
• Notify and work with Safeguarding Lead when the counselor has information or believes that a student is in danger of harm or self-harm
• Take the role as one of the deputy designated safeguarding leads

Personality/Successful Traits

• Commitment to being a team player and a contributing member of UWC ISAK Japan
• Positive attitude and enthusiastic about creating and contributing to a young school
• Ability to develop initiatives that take into account both the School’s long-term objectives and immediate needs
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment with people from around the world
• Ability to work well with people at all levels of the organization
• Interest in taking on new challenges and exploring new possibilities, rather than simply continuing with what is already being done
• Ability to effectively deal with multiple priorities, functions and activities
• Flexibility: ability to adjust projects and priorities as needed
• Ability to identify needs and take action to address them
• Well-developed business ethics and the ability to maintain a high level of discretion
• Self aware and motivated: engaged in continuous reflection and improvement
• Enthusiastic about attending school events and contributing to the community outside the Counseling role

This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review.

How To Apply

Please submit the following documents to [email protected]. Successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Cover Letter

CV Note: Successful candidates will need to complete a criminal background check (arranged and paid for by the school) before the final employment contract is issued.