Blog

The American International School of Johannesburg is committed to fostering justice, equity, diversity and inclusion throughout our school community, and we are continually furthering our practices and behaviors as we strive to live these ideals.

Child Protection Statement

AISJ maintains strong child protection policies & procedures, this ensures that our students can pursue their education in a safe, secure, and caring environment. All faculty and staff are required to undergo criminal background checks, attend annual training sessions and sign a safeguarding agreement.

Position Overview

The Middle School Counselor plays a vital role in the development of student’s social, emotional, and academic growth from Grades 6 though 8.

The Counselor works in partnership with all members of the community to promote and foster positive working relationships in the best interests of student learning, providing support and guidance for families when necessary. He/she will work closely with faculty and parents to support their role in developing the social and emotional well-being of students. In working directly with the Principal, the Counselor will help implement efficient and effective systems to ensure student’s social, emotional, and academic needs are being met.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of Child Protection policies.
• K – 12 (or at least K-8) license or certification in counseling or upper school counseling with a master’s degree
• Experience as a Middle School counselor or related experience
• Recent and relevant professional development in the field of counseling
• Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and at multiple levels
• Experience in implementing developmentally appropriate middle school counseling programs
• Experience and expertise in running effective parent education workshops
• Experience in working with social/emotional and behavioral challenges, disorders, and disabilities
• Ability to interpret educational psychological assessments and academic assessments in partnership with the Learning Support team.
• Knowledge of learning disabilities and learning disorders
• Experience in dealing with academic support as it relates to the above disorders
• Successful practice of working with parents and students in a counseling role
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate Advisory programs
• Knowledge of and experience working with PowerSchool and scheduling

Attributes

• Organized
• Positive attitude with a calm and consistent approach
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Is a highly flexible thinker
• Builds strong, positive working relationships with colleagues
• Ability to participate in and establish collaborative structures
• Deep understanding of students needs at the elementary and middle school level
• Uses initiative and is proactive
• Follows through on decisions
• Understanding of confidentiality and its limitations.
• Closes the feedback loop with parents, faculty and administration.

General Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates staff and parent Child Protection training and workshops
• Works collaboratively with the Principal to actively develop the social and emotional well-being of the students, staff and families within the community
• Inputs data in PowerSchool for scheduling
• Actively participates in the Child Study Team process under the direction of the Principal
• Collaborates with the Principal, Learning Support Coordinator and the Learning Support and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) teachers to develop programs for students with learning needs
• Implements and oversees the Advisory program, known as Imbizo, for direct instruction within the classroom
• Works with classroom teachers through observations, strategy development, and the CST process
• Provides information and consults with staff and parents regarding various learning needs and topics related to
  learning support in coordination with the Learning Support team.
• Works with the Principal, Learning Support Team and classroom teachers to determine class placement
• Provides support to Admissions through application review, observations, and recommendations
• Collaboratively assists students and families as they transition in and out of school
• Coordinates small group and individual counseling sessions with students
• Coordinates the grade 5 to 6 transition process and assists with the grade 8 to 9 transition process

General Teaching Responsibilities

In addition to the specialist level expectations, teachers at AISJ are welcomed into a collegial and collaborative working environment. In support of this, teachers are expected to:

• Communicate and liaise on a regular basis with fellow team department/grade members with regards to planning, assessment, parent and community contact, subject organization and classroom issues including discipline, expectations and routines
• Communicate and liaise with other school colleagues in an effort to promote social and emotional awareness
• Take an active role in behavioral management and pastoral care of class groups
• Attend and constructively contribute in staff meetings
• Assist in supervision of student breaks
• Coordinate class activities as deemed necessary
• Maintain up-to-date records of assessment, attendance, planning, reports, conferences, and communication with parents
• Establish links with the parent community to ensure that parents are kept well informed about student progress
• Assist, as required, in the development of social and emotional curricular materials
• Act as a resource/contact/support for new staff members (i.e. curriculum, schedules, procedures)
• Participate in at least one co-curricular activity per year
• Participate in and assist with school events as required

School Purpose

INSPIRE LEARNING AND BUILD OUR BETTER WORLD

The purpose of AISJ is to provide exceptional educational experiences in a diverse and nurturing environment in order to inspire learning and build our better world. We cultivate an inclusive community of learners so that we empower global citizens to fulfill their future purpose.

Community Principles

The American International School of Johannesburg fosters a positive culture and is committed to Community Principles that include:

• We are better when we act together.
• Our differences make us stronger.
• Every voice counts. Every voice matters.
• Every team needs individuals. Every individual needs a team.

School Hours
7:10 AM to 3:30 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and
7:10 AM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday

Application process

In order to complete the AISJ application process, please click here and complete the electronic form.
Information captured on this form will be stored on a secure database and will be used to complete a quick reference check on vacancy compatibility. Please take note all couples need to submit individual applications.

Privacy
By submitting your CV you are agreeing to the AISJ Recruitment Protocol and consenting to AISJ processing your personal information in relation with the job you’re applying for. Your details will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy accessible through https://www.aisj-jhb.com/privacy-policy
By submitting your email address and any other personal information, you consent to such information being disclosed and stored in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Protection of Personal information Act of 2013