Elementary School Counselor

Elementary School Counselor

The Elementary School Counselor provides comprehensive academic, social-emotional, and college counseling while championing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Through proactive collaboration with staff and families, this position ensures student well-being remains at the center of school decision-making. Our ES Counseling program currently consists of one additional full-time professional.

We look for faculty members with a learning mindset, “can do” approach to teaching and learning, a sense of humor, and a desire to contribute to innovation and improvement as a team player. Tech and AI agility and confidence, and a commitment to excellence in a student-centered school are needed! Additionally, our team is seeking faculty who share a commitment to engaging in a diverse professional community that is growing in its DEIJ principles and practices. 

Key Responsibilities for the ES Counseling Team:

• Prioritize child safeguarding and maintain documentation related to student protection and well-being.

• Provide one-on-one and small-group counseling, crisis intervention, and support for behavioral and emotional concerns.

• Foster a positive school climate and facilitate orientation for new students.

• Consult with teachers, parents, administrators, and outside specialists to design interventions, behavior plans, and student support processes.

• Conduct conferences and maintain records related to student observations, interventions, and social-emotional needs.

• Deliver whole-class social-emotional learning lessons and and collaborate with teachers to support the delivery of SEL classroom lessons.

• Offer conflict mediation and problem-solving support to students.

• Assists families in obtaining services for their children through an appropriate referral and follow-up process.

• Collaborates on the development and management of the comprehensive school counseling program with the school administrator or instructional leader.

• Serve as a consultant for child protection concerns and fulfill other responsibilities assigned by the principals.

Kaohsiung American School (KAS) is a private, not-for-profit day school established in 1989 for the children of expatriate families in Kaohsiung. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and offers the IB’s MYP and DP programmes. We receive annual grants and sponsorship from the US Department of State.

KAS brings global opportunities to Kaohsiung and southern Taiwan, by inspiring excellent holistic learning in a nurturing environment. We embrace collaboration, creativity and professionalism as we model a balanced learning environment. We have a strong commitment to professional development which aligns with schoolwide and personal learning goals.

Kaohsiung American School moved into its beautiful, purpose-built campus buildings in 2015/2016. We are recognized as the premier international school in southern Taiwan. We currently enroll 770 students from 40+ countries, although most of our students share Taiwanese heritage and Mandarin as a first language. The Elementary School enrolls 300+ students and includes 50+ full or part time faculty members. The majority of our students are multilingual learners. 

• A Master’s degree in Counseling, School Counseling, Social Work, or School Psychology is required.

• At least 5 successful years of experience as an Elementary School or Schoolwide Counselor.

• Familiarity with International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs.

• Ability to analyze data to inform work and decision making, analyze and evaluate available data, assess student needs and develop and implement procedures and policies to support student achievement.

• Fluency in English; fluency in Mandarin is a plus.

• A range of experiences in US and/or international schools that have led to the development of multiple lenes and perspectives.

• Strong understanding and respect for a diversity of cultures and the needs of language learners.

• A demonstrated ability to collaborate including presenting, facilitating, coaching and consulting in order to support and develop highly effective groups.

• Has life experiences that demonstrate, among other things, a growth mindset, versatility, adaptability and resilience.

• A commitment to developing and supporting a diverse professional community that is growing in its DEI principles and practices. 

• Experience with creating, facilitating and implementing processes and procedures around child protection and safeguarding.