SECONDARY SCHOOL/COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Job overview

JOB TITLE: Secondary School/College CounselorREPORTS TO: Secondary School Principal CONTRACT DAYS: 190 plus any needed additional days compensated at daily rate

VIS COREVIS is a diverse community of learners who are inspired to thrive in rapidly changing environments. A strong core guides our learners: a clear mission, a progressive vision, meaningful values, and a research-based set of learning principles.
OUR MISSIONWe challenge, inspire, and empower our learners to develop their unique potential in ourchanging world.
OUR VISIONWe will lead the way toward a sustainable future.
OUR VALUESWe value balance, respect, resilience, innovation and courage
The counselor reports to the Secondary School Principal and must collaborate with the Primary Counsellor, Learning Area Leaders, MYP/DP Coordinators, and teachers. The successful candidate will be able to work with students in grades 9 - 12 on academic, personal/social, career, and post-secondary. VIS graduates attend universities in Australia, Canada, across Asia, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Europe. The Secondary School/College counselor works closely with students and parents on the college admissions process.CORE RESPONSIBILITIESProgram Design & DeliveryDesign and deliver a three-tiered counseling program that includes Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support for wellbeing, social-emotional learning, and transitions.Provide direct services across four key domains: academic development, social-emotional growth, career & college readiness, and intercultural/identity competence.Deliver the wellbeing, careers, and pathways curriculum as part of the Yuu Nai program for Grades 9–12.Collaborate with the DP Coordinator and CAS Coordinator to deliver the Core+ program.Facilitate academic advising discussions with students and parents, guiding course selection and creating student schedules.Proactively support student transitions, including new student/family orientation, mid-year arrivals, and departures.


Academic, College, and Career AdvisingProvide academic counseling and personalized university/career guidanceServe as the school’s BridgeU administratorCoordinate PSAT and SAT registrationSupport students and parents through the university application process, including parent information sessions.Ensure all teacher recommendation letters are completed to the highest standardPartner with the DP Coordinator to maintain accurate transcripts and update ManageBacFacilitate academic advising discussions with students and parents and then create their schedule.
Responsive Services & Well-Being
Provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, peer conflict resolution, and behavior support.Serve as an active member of the Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding Team.Collaborate with counselors, teachers, and leaders to manage and monitor the counseling referral process.System Support & CollaborationWork closely with administrators, teachers, and student support teams to develop policies, practices, and programs that promote student well-being and achievementHost parent education sessions on social-emotional development, career pathways, and university preparationContribute to professional learning for staff related to SEL, DEIJ, and student well-beingParticipate in regular counselor meetings and contribute to schoolwide initiativesProgram Management & AccountabilityUse data (surveys, referrals, outcomes) to identify student needs, track service delivery, and evaluate program effectivenessAlign annual counseling goals with the school improvement planEngage students, parents, and staff in ongoing feedback about the counseling programMaintain proficiency in school platforms including ManageBac, BridgeU, and CPOMSReflect on counselor use of time and adjust practices to maximize student impactProfessional Competencies:Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, families, and colleaguesProactive student advocate and skilled educator with a strong commitment to student well-being and successDemonstrated ability to make sound, solutions-focused decisions, with expertise in child protection and safeguardingExperience in facilitating personal, social, and emotional learning programsDemonstrated expertise in the global college admissions process, including pathways to universities in multiple countries.Personal Attributes:
Collaborative team player and empathetic listener who fosters trust and open communicationDemonstrates integrity, professionalism, and strict adherence to confidentialitySkilled at recognizing and nurturing the strengths and potential of each student and colleagueApproaches interactions with optimism and assumes positive intentInternationally minded, with strong emotional intelligence and intercultural awarenessCreative, persuasive, and adaptable in addressing challenges and driving solutions.Flexible and resilient, able to remain effective and composed in complex or difficult situations.Additional ResponsibilitiesPerform other duties as designated by the Principal.Serve as a member of the Child Wellbeing and Safeguarding TeamCollaborate with DP coordinator CAS Coordinator to deliver Core+ program Assist with the New Student/Family Orientation Program at the start of yearAssist with student transitions in and out of VIS throughout the yearWork in partnership with the MYP and DP coordinator to update Managebac as a result of course changes Work in partnership with the DP coordinator to ensure transcripts are accurate Perform any other duties as designated by the PrincipalPreferred Qualifications and ExperienceMaster’s degree in counseling preferredA minimum of two years experience as an international school counselor preferredBoth personal counseling and college counseling experience preferredExperience working with students and parents during the admissions process in the US, UK,Canada and general experience in Europe and Asia preferredCertification as a school counselorBe proficient in Managebac, BridgeU and CPOMS Values
At Vientiane International School, we value diversity, inclusivity, respect for others, integrity, responsibility, empathy,and compassion. The ideal candidate should share these values and attitudes while also being committed to promoting student wellbeing through individualized support that fosters social-emotional growth and academic success.What We OfferA supportive, collegial, and innovative learning community.Professional development opportunities, including IB training.Competitive compensation and benefits package.The opportunity to live and work in a vibrant and beautiful country of Laos.If you meet these qualifications and share our values at Vientiane International School, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!