Position Summary
KIS Astana is seeking two Social-Emotional Counselors to support the well-being and holistic development of our students — one for Early Years & Elementary and one for Secondary School.
The Counselors will provide proactive social-emotional learning programs, individual and small-group counseling, and close collaboration with teachers and families. They will help create a caring and inclusive learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive as a learner and community member.
Reports to:
Relevant Principal and ultimately to the Head of School.
Key Responsibilities
1. Student Support
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Provide short-term, age-appropriate individual and group counseling for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
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Support students in developing self-regulation, resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
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Assist students in navigating friendship issues, transitions, and emotional growth in line with the school’s mission and IB Learner Profile attributes.
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Respond to student needs promptly and sensitively, maintaining confidentiality and ethical practice.
2. Preventive and Developmental Programs
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Design and deliver classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and well-being workshops aligned with IB PYP / MYP / DP and AERO frameworks.
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Partner with teachers to integrate SEL themes—such as kindness, respect, empathy, and emotional regulation—into the daily classroom experience.
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Lead or co-lead well-being initiatives such as Kindness Week, Anti-Bullying campaigns, and mindfulness or friendship programs.
3. Collaboration and Consultation
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Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, psychologist, administration, and the Student Support Team to ensure a coordinated approach to student well-being.
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Provide professional guidance to teachers and staff on classroom management, positive discipline, and emotional regulation strategies.
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Engage with parents through meetings, consultations, and workshops to strengthen home–school partnerships supporting children’s emotional health.
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Contribute to multi-disciplinary discussions on student progress and support plans.
4. Crisis Response and Safeguarding
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Serve as a key member of the school’s Safeguarding and Crisis Response Team.
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Provide immediate support to students experiencing distress or crisis, ensuring their safety and access to appropriate care.
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Maintain accurate documentation of counseling sessions and follow-up actions in line with confidentiality and safeguarding protocols.
5. School Culture and Program Development
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Promote a positive, inclusive school culture that nurtures students’ sense of belonging and community.
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Support the development and review of school well-being policies and practices.
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Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development, and the continuous improvement of Student Support Services.
Qualifications and Experience
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Education, or Social Work (Master’s preferred).
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Minimum 3 years of experience working with children or adolescents in educational settings (Early Years/Elementary and/or Secondary).
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Professional counseling certification or equivalent experience in school-based social-emotional support.
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Knowledge of social-emotional learning frameworks, child development, and trauma-informed practices.
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Understanding of international school contexts and the IB philosophy (PYP, MYP, DP) is an advantage.
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Excellent communication, empathy, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
Personal Attributes
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Warm, compassionate, and student-centered.
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Skilled in building trust with children, adolescents, and families.
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Collaborative, reflective, and flexible in approach.
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Committed to maintaining confidentiality, ethical standards, and continuous professional growth.
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Culturally sensitive and adaptable to a diverse international community.
What we offer:
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Full-time job:5/2;
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Work in an international company and participate through professional development, in a multicultural environment;
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Competitive salary;
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Opportunities for ongoing professional development;
Please submit your CV in English only.