Counselor - Middle School

**Overview of the Role**:
The primary function of the Counseling Program at the International School of Panama is to help students successfully navigate the multiple challenges and opportunities they will face during their time in childhood/adolescence. This requires nurturing executive functioning, decision making, social, emotional, and academic growth. The role of a counselor includes supporting school policies/regulations and goals by promoting healthy attitudes of self-esteem, respect and an appreciation of the cultural differences of others.
**Reports to**: Division Principal or designee
**Collaborates closely with**: Vice Principals, Head of Department, Instructional Coach, K-12 Coordinators and Specialists, and other colleagues as appropriate.

**Responsibilities**: (Including but not limited to) Serves as a consultant to administration, teachers, and parents to guide them in ways to meet the social and emotional needs of students. Provides individual support to students with social, emotional, personal and academic needs. Leads the development of a strong advisory/homeroom program. Collaborates with Department of Student Services to support our response to intervention process Fosters tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity among students, and promotes positive relationships within the school and community. Assists in crisis situations and maintains appropriate follow-up in order to avoid escalation and reoccurrence. Utilizes restorative practices when working with students. Facilitates schedule changes requested by students, teachers, or parents by meeting with students, assessing the need for the change, and following the procedures to implement them. Works to strategically group students in their various classes to set them up for success. Develops transition programs for students moving from one division to the next Provides an orientation for new students, and organizes the ambassador program. Coordinates with other stakeholders. Identifies and utilizes community resources and establishes effective working relationships with parents and all available referral resources. Supports and part of the child protection team at ISP Reviews placement test results and academic records of new students and helps in their course selection and appropriate placement. Provides student and parent workshops on various topics, e.g. drugs and alcohol, anti-bullying, sexual education, etc. Meets with the principal and resource teacher about progress reports and follows-up by meeting with students on academic and behavioral probation. Compiles data and prepares reports as requested. Keeps current by participation in educational activities, conferences, and through professional organization membership. Helps students and parents with tutor contacts upon request. Completes other duties as assigned

**What you bring**: Passion for working with and appreciation of International and diverse students Deep dedication to continual growth and development A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice-related education Eagerness to collaborate with colleagues A willingness to be flexible, and adaptable, and committed to the unique nature of working in an international school Organization, time management, and problem-solving skills Experience designing authentic units and assessments using a backward design model A high degree of professionalism Commitment to participating in the whole school experience including embodying our core values, mission, and definition of learning.

ISP is a non-profit, student-centered, independent school, inspiring lifelong learners for a future without borders. We are recognized as a leader in international education, offering world-class opportunities for students since 3 years old at Early Childhood Center to 12th grade.
The International School of Panama operates under the license of the Ministry of Education of Panama and is accredited by AdvancED. As an authorized IB World School, we offer the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) for students in grades 11 and 12. In addition, we offer the unique Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate and AdvancED certified STEM programs.
ISP Child Protection Policy Statement
Schools strive to ensure that all children in their care are afforded a safe and secure environment in which to grow and develop. Child abuse and neglect are violations of a child’s human rights and are obstacles to the child’s education as well as their physical, emotional, and social development. Child abuse and neglect are of growing concern in schools throughout the world.
The International School of Panama, in keeping with our core beliefs and mission statement, has adopted a Child Protection Policy that will empower students, families and staff in matters related to the health, safety and care of children in attendance at our school.
This Child Protection Policy is the school’s commitment to do our utmost to prevent and protect children fr