Position:
High School Counselor (to begin August 2026)

Reports to:
High School Principal 

About Canadian Academy: 

Canadian Academy is a not-for-profit, secular, gender-inclusive international school located in Kobe, Japan's seventh largest city. CA is accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), is an authorized three-programme International Baccalaureate World School, and is a member of TABS (The Association of Boarding Schools).  While most of the 690 students at CA are day students, our campus is also home to a small High School boarding program with a current enrollment of 40 students in Grades 9-12.

Canadian Academy faculty and staff inspire minds and nurture compassion by providing a rich and engaging programme that develops students' skills, promotes curiosity and love of learning, and prioritizes well-being. All students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6-10, and most students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11 & 12, although 10-20% each year opt for a more personalized pathway to graduation that includes a mix of DP and other courses and leads to a CA Diploma. Some of our areas of focus over the next few years will be to further develop our graduation pathways to better meet the needs of our diverse learners, and to ensure that students have access to a broader range of opportunities for career exploration. 

Position Summary

The High School Counselor provides comprehensive counseling services for students in Grades 9–12, supporting their academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary development. They work closely with the Counseling team (including one other High School Counselor), the Counseling Office Assistant, and the High School Leadership Team, and report to the High School Principal. 

This role will have a particular focus on further developing our university and post-secondary counseling program, developing a clear and progressive structure that empowers students to make informed choices about their future pathways. The Counselor also shares responsibility for personal and social-emotional counseling, working in close collaboration with the other High School Counselor, who serves as the lead for personal counseling and student well-being. Together, they ensure that all students are known, supported, and challenged to thrive during their high school years.

Major Areas of Responsibility:

University and Post-Secondary Counseling 

Support students in Grades 9–12 to make informed and confident decisions about their post-secondary pathways and future careers. The role includes guiding students and families through the university application process, fostering awareness of global higher education opportunities, and collaborating with faculty to embed post-secondary readiness within the CA learning experience. The Counselor also builds strong relationships with universities worldwide and represents Canadian Academy within the global higher education community.

Student and Family Guidance

• Design and deliver a progressive, developmentally appropriate university and careers education program for students and families in Grades 9–12.
• Provide individualized counselling on post-secondary planning, including course selection, program choices, application strategies, and gap-year options.
• Support students with all aspects of university and scholarship applications, ensuring quality and accuracy of submissions.
• Offer specialized support for students applying to highly selective or specialized programmes.

Collaboration and Programme Development

• Work closely with advisors, teachers, and the Student Services team to ensure consistent, high-quality guidance.
• Partner with families to strengthen understanding of international post-secondary systems and timelines.
• Develop and deliver workshops, presentations, and information sessions for students
  and families
• Contribute to developing the internship and job-shadowing programme and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.

University Relations and Communication

• Build and maintain relationships with admissions representatives from universities and colleges worldwide, hosting visits and sharing information.
• Represent Canadian Academy at university fairs, conferences, and professional networks.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of university admission processes and testing requirements (e.g., PSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, UCAS, OUAC, Common App).
• Curate and manage University & Careers Counseling resources.

Data and Administration

• Maintain accurate records of student applications, admissions outcomes, and matriculations.
• Support continuous improvement of CA's university counselling systems, resources, and communication tools.
• Contribute to the visibility and understanding of the University Counselling Program within the school community.

Personal and Social-Emotional Counseling

Support students in Grades 9–12 to develop emotional well-being, resilience, self-awareness, and positive relationships within a safe, caring, and inclusive school environment. The role includes offering individual and group counseling, supporting crisis response and safeguarding procedures, and partnering with teachers and parents to promote a culture of care and belonging.

Student and Family Support

• Provide confidential, short-term individual and small-group counseling to support students' personal, social, and emotional development.
• Address issues such as stress management, peer and family relationships, identity and belonging, adjustment, and transitions.
• Support students experiencing emotional distress or personal challenges, making appropriate referrals to external professionals when needed.
• Collaborate with parents to strengthen understanding of adolescent development and to coordinate support strategies at home and school.
• Help students develop self-advocacy skills, emotional regulation, and positive coping mechanisms to enhance their overall well-being and learning.

Well-Being Education and Prevention

• Alongside the other High School Counselor, participate in the delivery of  a progressive, developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, in collaboration with advisors and teachers.
• Contribute to orientation and transition programs for new students, including mid-year arrivals and graduating students.
• Promote a proactive approach to student well-being that emphasizes prevention, early identification, and community education.

Collaboration and Case Management

• Work closely with the other High School Counselor to ensure balanced caseloads and coordinated support for students.
• Collaborate with advisors, teachers, learning support, and administration to identify students of concern and develop coordinated support plans.
• Participate in Student Support Team meetings, case conferences, and other interdisciplinary discussions.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of counseling interventions, parent communications, and referrals in accordance with school policy and confidentiality standards.
• Communicate regularly with families and staff, balancing discretion and transparency in support of student welfare.

Crisis Response and Safeguarding

• Serve as a key member of the school's crisis response and safeguarding team.
• Respond promptly and professionally to crises involving student safety or well-being.
• Provide immediate emotional support to students and staff in times of crisis or loss.
• Support implementation of school-wide protocols for student protection, risk assessment, and follow-up.
• Contribute to staff training and awareness related to child protection, mental health first aid, and crisis intervention.

Program Development and School Culture

• Collaborate with the other Counselor to evaluate and enhance the comprehensive counseling program to ensure alignment across Grades 9–12.
• Use data to identify trends in student well-being and to inform program priorities and interventions.
• Partner with faculty and leadership to embed well-being principles into the culture, curriculum, and daily life of the school.
• Promote a positive, inclusive environment in which students feel connected, valued, and supported.
• Contribute to CA's ongoing commitment to compassion, community, and belonging through visible leadership in well-being initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field
• Professional certification or licensure in counseling or psychology 
• Five years of counseling experience, ideally in an international or independent school context
• Deep knowledge of university systems and admissions processes across major global regions (North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Australia)
• Demonstrated skill in program development, workshop facilitation, and family engagement

Desired Personal Attributes

• Warm, approachable, and student-centered
• Culturally responsive and inclusive in practice
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Highly organized, adaptable, and proactive
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Reflective practitioner committed to ongoing professional growth