Secondary School Counselor (Grades 6–9)

Secondary School Counselor (Grades 6–9)

About Horizon Japan International School (HJIS)

Horizon Japan International School is a CIS- and WASC-accredited IB continuum school offering the PYP, MYP, and DP. Our diverse and vibrant learning community is built around our core values of Community, Respect, and Understanding. We aim to develop internationally minded learners who are caring, resilient, and prepared to contribute positively to the world.
As a school committed to inclusion, equity, and whole-child development, we seek educators who are passionate about empowering students and fostering an environment where every learner feels valued and supported.

Role

The Secondary School Counselor (Grades 6–9) will play a key role in supporting the well-being and development of our middle school students. Working collaboratively with the pastoral care lead, fellow counselor, and teaching staff, this role will contribute to a cohesive, proactive, and responsive pastoral care system.

The successful candidate will support students socially, emotionally, and developmentally, while also helping to shape and deliver a meaningful advisory and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students in Grades 6–9
  
• Collaborate closely with the pastoral care team, including the other school counselor and pastoral care lead
  
• Support and help design and implement the advisory and SEL program for Grades 6–9
• Lead and facilitate grade-level pastoral care meetings, ensuring alignment and follow-through on student support
• Contribute to a culture of care by supporting assemblies, wellbeing events, and themed weeks/months throughout the year
• Work proactively with teachers and families to support student wellbeing and development
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and uphold the highest standards of professional ethics and safeguarding
• Step in to support students in Grades 10–12 when needed
• Bring forward ideas and initiatives that enhance the school’s pastoral care and wellbeing provision
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, staff, and families to support student wellbeing across school and home contexts

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• A recognized school counseling qualification or license/certification (or eligibility to obtain one)
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working as a school counselor or in a similar role with adolescents
• Experience in an international school setting and/or familiarity with diverse cultural contexts (preferred)
• Demonstrated experience delivering or supporting Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs or advisory systems
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and mental health, particularly in the middle years
• Experience working collaboratively within multi-disciplinary or pastoral care teams
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and a commitment to student welfare
• Experience supporting safeguarding and child protection processes in a school setting
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills
• High level of professional ethics, confidentiality, and discretion
• Fluency in English (additional languages are an advantage)

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A genuine passion for supporting young people and promoting wellbeing
• A warm, approachable, and relational style, with the ability to build trust with students
• The ability to balance supportive counseling with clear structure and accountability
• A proactive mindset, with the confidence to contribute ideas and drive initiatives

Our Vision for Pastoral Care

At Horizon, we are intentionally building a pastoral care-driven school—one where well-being is not an add-on, but central to everything we do. We aim to create an environment where:

• Students feel safe, known, and valued
• Relationships are built on respect, empathy, and trust
• Challenges are met with support, reflection, and growth
• Every adult plays a role in supporting the whole child

This role is an opportunity to help shape and strengthen that vision in meaningful and lasting ways.

Why Join Us?

• A collaborative and supportive team culture
• The opportunity to shape and grow a developing pastoral care model
• A school community that values student wellbeing as much as academic success
• The chance to make a visible, daily impact in the lives of young people

Complete and submit an application to Horizon Japan International School before the final filing date. Please have your resume and letter of recommendation to submit them through your application form.