Social-Emotional Counselor (2 positions: Elementary & Secondary)

Position Summary

KIS Astana is seeking two Social-Emotional Counselors to support the well-being and holistic development of our students — one for Early Years & Elementary and one for Secondary School.
The Counselors will provide proactive social-emotional learning programs, individual and small-group counseling, and close collaboration with teachers and families. They will help create a caring and inclusive learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive as a learner and community member.

Reports to:

Relevant Principal and ultimately to the Head of School.

Key Responsibilities

1. Student Support

• Provide short-term, age-appropriate individual and group counseling for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

• Support students in developing self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

• Assist students in navigating friendship issues, transitions, and emotional growth in line with the school’s mission and IB Learner Profile attributes.

• Respond to student needs promptly and sensitively, maintaining confidentiality and ethical practice.

2. Preventive and Developmental Programs

• Design and deliver classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and well-being workshops aligned with IB PYP / MYP / DP and AERO frameworks.

• Partner with teachers to integrate SEL themes—such as kindness, respect, empathy, and emotional regulation—into the daily classroom experience.

• Lead or co-lead well-being initiatives such as Kindness Week, Anti-Bullying campaigns, and mindfulness or friendship programs.

3. Collaboration and Consultation

• Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, psychologist, administration, and the Student Support Team to ensure a coordinated approach to student well-being.

• Provide professional guidance to teachers and staff on classroom management, positive discipline, and emotional regulation strategies.

• Engage with parents through meetings, consultations, and workshops to strengthen home–school partnerships supporting children’s emotional health.

• Contribute to multi-disciplinary discussions on student progress and support plans.

4. Crisis Response and Safeguarding

• Serve as a key member of the school’s Safeguarding and Crisis Response Team.

• Provide immediate support to students experiencing distress or crisis, ensuring their safety and access to appropriate care.

• Maintain accurate documentation of counseling sessions and follow-up actions in line with confidentiality and safeguarding protocols.

5. School Culture and Program Development

• Promote a positive, inclusive school culture that nurtures students’ sense of belonging and community.

• Support the development and review of school well-being policies and practices.

• Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development, and the continuous improvement of Student Support Services.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Education, or Social Work (Master’s preferred).

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with children or adolescents in educational settings (Early Years/Elementary and/or Secondary).

• Professional counseling certification or equivalent experience in school-based social-emotional support.

• Knowledge of social-emotional learning frameworks, child development, and trauma-informed practices.

• Understanding of international school contexts and the IB philosophy (PYP, MYP, DP) is an advantage.

• Excellent communication, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Personal Attributes

• Warm, compassionate, and student-centered.

• Skilled in building trust with children, adolescents, and families.

• Collaborative, reflective, and flexible in approach.

• Committed to maintaining confidentiality, ethical standards, and continuous professional growth.

• Culturally sensitive and adaptable to a diverse international community.
  

  What we offer:

• Full-time job:5/2;

• Work in an international company and participate through professional development, in a multicultural environment;

• Competitive salary;

• Opportunities for ongoing professional development;

Please submit your CV in English only.