Secondary School Counsellor - Social-Emotional and University-Guidance
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Start Date: Aug 2025
Region: Far East and South East Asia
School Curriculum: Australian / IB
Experience Required: 3 years
The School
This international school in Phnom Penh offers a modern education within traditional values, whilst preparing students for the future. The school is modelled on Australian private and independent education standards, with a balanced focus on academics, pastoral care, co-curricular options, sporting activities, the arts and character development, in an international context, focused upon the IB. Located in northwest Phnom Penh's up-and-coming neighbourhood of Russey Keo, the school is spread across 6 hectares (15 acres) of spacious grounds. Brand new purpose-built facilities create an exciting and stimulating learning environment. The campus has an impressive array of first-class facilities, including a purpose-built Early Learning Centre, primary school and secondary school buildings containing a variety of learning spaces and creativity centres, all linked to 21st- century learning: a large gymnasium, library, swimming pool, toddlers' pool, café, technology centres, maker spaces, science labs, sustainability project area, orchard, free range-farm and many more amenities to foster learning and recreational pursuits.
Living and Working in Phnom Penh
The Kingdom of Cambodia is now open to tourists and shifting to post-pandemic status.
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. The city exudes a provincial charm and tranquillity, with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. It is the gateway to an exotic land with the temples of Angkor in the west, the beaches of the southern coast and the ethnic minorities of the North-eastern provinces. The city takes its place among the hip capitals of the region, with 5* hotels, an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars and a world-class food scene.
Role and Requirements
This dynamic role blends social-emotional support, academic guidance, and university counselling to empower students for lifelong success.
Social-Emotional Counselling:
- Provide individual and group counselling to support students' well-being.
- Lead initiatives that promote self-awareness, resilience, and positive self-concepts.
- Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families to address student needs.
- Facilitate student transitions between year levels, admissions, and beyond.
- Refer students to external mental health resources when necessary.
University and Career Counselling:
- Guide students in academic and career planning, including IB course selection.
- Support Year 12 students with university applications, essays, recommendations, and financial aid options.
- Organise university fairs, workshops, and visits from admissions representatives.
- Build strong relationships with universities and admissions offices worldwide.
- Advise students on strategies to create compelling academic and personal profiles.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Partner with secondary staff and leadership to align academic and pastoral support.
- Deliver workshops for students, parents, and staff on social-emotional well-being and university readiness.
- Maintain alumni records and develop the school's annual profile to support university admissions
Professional Development:
- Stay updated on trends in university admissions and social-emotional learning.
- Pursue professional learning opportunities to enhance counselling expertise.
Community Engagement:
- Actively contribute to events, co-curricular activities, and committees.
- Provide occasional support during evening and weekend school events.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Counselling, Education, or a related field.
- Minimum of four years' experience in social, emotional, and academic counselling.
- Expertise in evidence-based psychoeducational interventions.
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and verbal).
- Strong ability to connect with students, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds.
- Training in university and career counselling.
- Knowledge of global university admissions processes, particularly IB-related pathways.
- Familiarity with standardised tests such as ACT, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.
- Experience with student visa applications for countries including Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada.
Salary and Benefits
- Competitive Salary with low tax in USD (From 32- 50K USD depending upon experience)
- International Health Insurance
- Accommodation Allowance
- Flights
- Tuition for Children
- Annual IB certified Professional Development Program
- Orientation and support program on arrival
- 2 year contract