School Counsellor - Social-Emotional
Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Start Date: August 2025
Region: Far East and South East Asia
Curriculum: UK
Role and Requirements
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The School Counsellor will support the mental and physical health and emotional wellbeing of all students alongside the existing school counsellor. They will provide a high-quality counselling service to students experiencing a wide range of social, emotional and health issues. They will be a key to the school's commitment to ensure all students reach their academic potential, develop the values and behaviours the school espouses and are best prepared for a fulfilled and successful adult life. They will significantly contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of all the school's students.
Key Responsibilities
* Work with the Deputy Head Pastoral, SENDCo and House Masters/Mistresses (HMs) to support the needs of all students.
* Communicate with appropriate staff to understand student issues, then develop and implement strategies/interventions for individual students and review their impact; further adjusting the methods until the issue has been resolved.
* Consult and communicate with parents regarding the counselling services and support available. Provide educational bulletins and training sessions to parents on a range of appropriate areas as a proactive approach to supporting the school's community.
* Maintain a presence around school so as to be aware of the pertinent issues amongst students.
* Assist HMs in the induction of new students.
* Provide a programme that equips students with the skills and behaviours to maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle.
* Provide support and guidance to staff, enabling them to better identify and support students with emotional health and wellbeing issues.
* Compile and maintain secure and confidential records of all counselling sessions and ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
* Work with external agencies to provide further support where required.
* Support staff who are experiencing social, emotional and psychological issues. * Other reasonable requests made by the Head Master
Requirements Required
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
* Post-graduate qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy.
* Registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and/or the UK Council for Psychotherapy, or similar.
* At least two years' experience, post qualification, working with students. * Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
* An understanding of the developmental, emotional, social and educational issues faced by young people.
* An awareness of the range of needs of people from diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds.
* Knowledge in a variety of clinical interventions and therapy styles.
* Experience of working as part of a Secondary School Team.
* Experience designing, implementing, evaluating and enhancing workshops and programmes aimed at supporting parents and carers.
* Knowledge in mediation and conflict resolution methods.
* Further therapeutic training or qualification in working with adolescents.
* Experience of group and individual counselling.
* Knowledge of local mental health services.
* Ability to relate and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
* Strong presentation skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong listening skills.
* Ability to work independently, manage own caseload and use initiative.
* Commitment to continuing professional development.
* Demonstration of high personal, ethical and professional standards.
* Patience, tolerance and sensitivity.
* A mature and non-judgemental outlook.
* Enthusiasm and positivity.
Package: The remuneration package is very generous and includes the following;
- A competitive salary package
- An annual bonus of up to 1 month's salary, subject to appraisal
- Full health insurance coverage for teachers as well as cover for dependents
- Onsite or nearby full-furnished accommodation provided
- Return Airfare and baggage allowances for teacher and dependents
- Remission on tuition fees for up to two (2) dependent children attending the School. 50% remission on tuition fees for 3rd dependent child onward. *Please note the school is opening only to Secondary age students and therefore younger dependents cannot be catered for.
- The cost of all working visas, dependents' resident visas and work permits costs paid for by the school
- Free annual ski pass and use of onsen, discount on golf course fees
- Termly return shinkansen tickets to Tokyo