Job overview
At the International School Ho Chi Minh City we realize that the demands on 21st Century education dictate new roles for teachers in order to prepare students to be effective in a rapidly changing world. The following job description outlines characteristics that ISHCMC believes teachers should exhibit and are important if they are to help students achieve as active learners.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Emotional Counselor to join our fantastic team.
We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and strengths-based Social Emotional Counselor who will monitor, advise, and assist culturally diverse students in their personal, social, and academic progress. They will provide short-term individual or small group counseling support. They will support the school’s POSISH pastoral programme in consultation with key stakeholders. They are expected to work in a positive, professional, and supportive manner, developing a collaborative and team approach that enables the school to achieve its stated philosophy and specific goals. They will plan and conduct staff in-service and parent workshops on matters relating to guidance and counseling. They will be expected to act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) under the guidance of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to support student safety and wellbeing, and will be involved in providing direction on matters relating to safeguarding and child protection.
Position Objective
The School Counselor will focus on the social, emotional and physical well-being of students in the School. They will work collaboratively with the Administration, Student Support Services team members and all School Counselors to ensure that students and parents have access to advice and information that will enable our students to flourish as they face emotional, social, and physical changes. The School Counselor is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. They will adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times and be prepared to report to their administration, the DSL and the Head of School should any concerns regarding a child arise.
Responsibilities:
The Counselor is expected to monitor, advise and assist in the personal, social and academic progress of students through the following duties:
- Liaise with the Director of Student Support Services, Vice Principals, Pastoral Leads, and Faculty in developing and implementing a responsive counseling programme for all students in the school.
- Provide an assessment of students’ academic and social/emotional needs and monitor progress of students in collaboration with homeroom/advisory teachers, teaching faculty and student support services staff in addressing the particular needs of individual students.
- Facilitate social emotional and co-teach comprehensive sex education lessons through the POSISH programme in consultation with homeroom/advisory teachers, Vice Principal, Pastoral Leads and Grade Level Leaders.
- Provide support to small groups of students involved in the counseling program.
- Actively participate in activities, assisting, intervening and encouraging individual students or in groups.
The Counselor is expected to work in a positive, professional, supportive manner and develop a collaborative and team approach to enable the school to achieve its stated philosophy and its specific goals. Their duties in this area are to:
- Be an active member of the Safeguarding team by supporting the school’s policies and practices, including those guidelines provided by Cognita.
- Assist in reviewing student admissions records by reviewing documents and meeting with students and their parent(s) with the Director of Student Support Services.
- Provide appropriate reference and resources materials to teachers or family members.
- Provide short term individual or group counseling for students, including crisis intervention and counseling on academic, personal, social, behavioral or family issues.
- Develop and maintain an external student referral system.
- Work closely with the school’s Wellness Center to support student needs.
- Advise and assist the faculty on matters of guidance and counseling of students.
- Plan and conduct staff in-service on matters relating to guidance and counseling.
- Prepare an annual order of job related educational materials.
- Continue professional development on the knowledge and skills required for the post.
The Counselor will be expected to promote awareness amongst the school community regarding the role of counseling in the development of students. Their duties in this area are:
- Assist, support and advise teachers regarding effective communication with parents.
- Be familiar with the diversity of the school community and student’s family background.
- Liaise, communicate and consult with parents on matters as appropriate.
- Attend and support teacher/parent events (where appropriate), include Parent Information Sessions and Orientation Programmes.
- Design and facilitate Parent workshops as needed.
- Participate in councils to strengthen the school’s vision of wellbeing for all.
The Counselor will be expected to act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) under the guidance of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to support student safety and wellbeing and will be involved in providing direction on matters relating to safeguarding and child protection. Their duties in this area are to:
- Provide direct support and guidance to students by working with the DSL to address safeguarding concerns and take the lead on matters that fall within the lower tiers of risk and need as identified within school safeguarding policies.
- Deputize for the DSL if they are not available. They will provide guidance and support to school leaders on safeguarding matters.
- Support and deputize for the DSL, as appropriate, in child protection matters, including Team - Around the Child Meetings, action planning, record keeping, and reviews.
- Collaborate with staff, especially pastoral, wellbeing leads, school nurses, learning support team, and EVC on matters of safety and safeguarding so the right support is given to all students.
- Embed a common language and understanding of safeguarding, and raise awareness of safeguarding practice, policies, and procedures within the school
- Collaborate on developing safeguarding systems by seeking out and providing feedback from across the school
- Develop effective relationships and engagement with the school’s leadership team
- Act as a source of safeguarding support for all staff
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with external specialists (statutory, voluntary, and private) who contribute to the assessment, intervention, and support of a child in need.
- Encourage a culture of listening to children, informally and formally through the voice of the student activities that enable the school to take account of student wishes and feelings
- Be alert to the additional risks of children who are vulnerable, have learning fragilities, or require additional support
Perform other duties as determined by the Deputy Head of School or Head of School
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 30 March 2026
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.