Descripción del puesto

Elementary School Counselor

• Reports to: Elementary School Principal
• Collaborates closely with: Principal, Assistant Principals, Teachers, Instructional Coaches, DSS team, K-12 Coordinators and Specialists, and other colleagues as appropriate.

Overview of the Role:

The primary function of the Counseling Program at the International School of Panama is to support students in successfully navigating the challenges and opportunities of childhood and adolescence. This includes nurturing executive functioning skills, fostering responsible decision-making, and promoting social, emotional, behavioral, and academic growth. The counselor supports school policies, regulations, and goals by promoting self-esteem, respect, and appreciation of cultural diversity. This role aligns with the International School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies.

Responsibilities: (Including but not limited to)

Student support:

• Provide individual support for students’ social, emotional, personal, and academic needs.
• Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity while fostering positive relationships within the school community.
• Respond to crisis situations, provide appropriate follow-up to prevent escalation or recurrence, and utilize restorative practices.
• Coordinate orientation for new students and oversee the ambassador program in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Develop transition programs for students moving between divisions.
• Use ISEL Standards to support students’ social and emotional development.

Administration and instruction:

• Collaborate with administration to strategically develop class lists and student groupings.
• Facilitate schedule change requests by meeting with students, assessing needs, and following established procedures.
• Review placement test results and academic records of new students to guide course selection and appropriate placement.
• Serve as a member of the ISP Child Protection Team.
• Compile data and prepare reports as requested.
• Support implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), including referral processes and Tier 2 and 3 interventions.
• Support the implementation of a strong homeroom program.
• Develop and implement Comprehensive Sexuality Education lessons.

Collaboration:

• Serve as a consultant to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding students’ social and emotional needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support each student’s specific needs, interests, and strengths.
• Identify and coordinate with community resources and referral services.
• Meet with the administrator and learning support teacher(s) to review progress reports and follow up with students with academic, social emotional, or behavioral concerns.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Community Expectations:

• Provide student and parent workshops on relevant topics (e.g., substance use prevention, anti-bullying, sexual education).
• Share updates with families regarding student development and counseling initiatives.
• Create opportunities to meet with parents and caregivers to discuss student progress.
• Engage in the broader ISP community by attending PTA events, athletic events, and student performances.

Professional Development Expectations:

• Demonstrate a growth mindset by staying current with best practices, engaging in professional learning opportunities, participating in in-service courses, and attending meetings as directed by Leadership.
• Seek and apply feedback from administrators.
• Participate in ISP professional learning and relevant professional organizations and conferences.

What you bring:

• Commitment to the ISP mission, core values, and the whole-school experience.
• Passion for working in an international school environment with diverse students and staff.
• Dedication to fostering an inclusive community that values cultural diversity and supports multilingual learners.
• Commitment to research-based, student-centered practices that promote belonging, equity, and justice.
• Resourcefulness, adaptability, collaboration, and openness to change.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of professionalism and commitment to continuous growth.

Essential Qualifications:

• Certification as a School Counselor.
• Degree in school counseling or a related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to students’ social and emotional well-being.
• Cultural competence in working with a diverse student population.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Demonstrated collaboration, creativity, innovation, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Positive, flexible, and growth-oriented mindset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum (e.g., Wayfinder).
• Teaching experience.
• Experience working with elementary-aged students.
• Experience in an international school setting.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and international-mindedness.
• Experience with MTSS/RTI processes, including intervention implementation and data-driven decision-making.