Career Counselor

The Career & College Counselor supports the academic, personal, and future-planning development of Secondary and High School students (Grades 6–12) through a proactive, comprehensive career and university guidance program. The Counselor assists students in exploring their strengths, interests, and aspirations while equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed choices regarding subject selection, higher education, and future career pathways.

Through individual counseling, structured workshops, and collaborative partnerships with teachers, families, and external institutions, the Career & College Counselor fosters a forward-looking school culture that empowers every student to pursue a purposeful future aligned with the KIS Astana mission and IB philosophy (MYP/DP).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Student Guidance and Pathway Planning (Grades 6–12)

• Provide individual and small-group counseling on academic planning, self-discovery, career exploration, and global university admissions.
• Help middle school students discover personal strengths and interests, and guide high school students in developing realistic college lists and strategic application plans.
• Guide students through subject option choices (including IB MYP and IB DP selection) to ensure alignment with university entrance requirements and career goals.
• Assist Grades 11–12 students through every phase of the university application process, including personal statement writing, portfolio preparation, application tracking, and scholarship queries.

2. Career and College Readiness Programs

• Design and deliver age-appropriate lessons and workshops on career awareness, study skills, standardized testing preparation, essay writing, and transition to higher education.
• Organize school-wide events such as Career Days, University Fairs, guest speaker series, and visits from university admissions representatives.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate future-ready skills, career topics, and self-reflection into advisory sessions and classroom curricula.
• Curate and maintain digital and print resources on global higher education systems, career trends, and academic pathways.

3. Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Work closely with the Student Support Team, homeroom teachers, and IB Coordinators to ensure a unified approach to student achievement and well-being.
• Conduct parent information sessions and individual family consultations to explain curriculum choices, university application procedures, and financial planning context.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with university admissions officers, educational networks, and external community partners.

4. Documentation, Administration, and Program Development

• Maintain confidential records of student interactions, academic progress, and university application statuses using counseling platforms (e.g., Cialfo, Unifrog, BridgeU).
• Prepare and submit official school documentation to universities, including transcripts, School Profiles, and Counselor Recommendation Letters.
• Collect and analyze college placement data and program metrics to drive continuous program improvement.

5. School Culture and Professional Leadership

• Promote an inclusive, ambitious school environment that encourages curiosity, self-efficacy, and global citizenship.
• Participate actively in professional learning communities, staff meetings, and international college counseling networks.
• Represent the school ethically and professionally in the wider educational community.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Education, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a Career and College Counselor in an international or English-medium secondary school setting.
• Demonstrated track record of guiding students toward successful university matriculation across diverse global regions (US, UK, Europe, Asia, Kazakhstan).
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, university application systems (e.g., Common App, UCAS), and IB MYP/DP frameworks.
• High proficiency in written and spoken English with exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Empathetic, student-centered approach with strong coaching and listening skills.
• Highly organized with strong multi-tasking skills and attention to detail regarding strict deadlines.
• Culturally responsive, adaptable, and collaborative within a diverse international community.

We Offer

• Official employment in full accordance with local labor legislation.

• Working Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• A stable position in a reputable educational institution.

• A supportive, professional, and collaborative working environment.