Middle School Counselor (Comprehensive)

The American International School of Budapest (AISB) seeks to appoint a Middle School Counselor a starting date of August 1, 2026.

Candidates with relevant qualifications, experience, and skills that match the job description are invited to apply through TES by Friday, November 28th

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Search Team.

Position Overview

The counselor’s primary function is to work collaboratively with school leadership, grade-level leaders, student support team members, teachers, and families to help guide students throughout their middle school journey and foster their personal and social development.
The counselor plays a key role in fostering academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and personal development, striving to ensure that all interactions contribute to creating an inclusive environment that values each student''s well-being and success, in line with the school''s Mission, Vision, and Values.
The counselor also collaborates closely with the Elementary and High School teams to support smooth transitions between divisions.

Reports to: Middle School Principal

Qualifications and Experience

Personal Attributes

Illustrates strong organizational and time-management skills
Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, and a positive attitude
High Emotional Intelligence (EQ): demonstrates strong communication and empathy skills and establishes cooperative and collaborative working relationships with staff, students, and parents
Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with an ability to work effectively with students, parents, faculty, and administration
Accepts and manages change effectively
Collaborates effectively to nurture student growth
Openly accepts and considers different perspectives
Contributes to a positive school climate
Contributes constructively to the AISB community through participation in co-curricular programs or activities
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in a diverse, international environment
Plans and delivers an effective school counseling program and seeks continuous improvement

Knowledge

Strong understanding of adolescent development and transitional support from elementary to middle school, and the typical (and atypical) challenges students face
Commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture
Knowledge of how to work with students and families to manage mental health/social-emotional problems as they arise
Understands the importance of a proactive, articulated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program across the school
Strong knowledge and understanding of relevant safeguarding and child protection policies and protocols in an international setting

Certifications & Experience

Holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, or a related field
Minimum three years of relevant counseling experience, preferably in an international school setting
Counsels students using a variety of theories and appropriate techniques to resolve concerns
Experience working in a multicultural environment with a culturally diverse student population and with families for whom English is a second language
Technology literate in Web and Google Applications

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master’s Degree in counseling, guidance, educational/developmental psychology, clinical psychology, or equivalent experience
Experience working in an international school or familiarity with international curriculum frameworks (IB/AP programs) and experience supporting students in these academic tracks
Experience with course management software (e.g., Veracross, Google Apps)
Experience with online programs used to administer scheduling and counseling programs (University systems, Veracross, etc.)
Demonstration of ongoing professional development in areas of best practice

Key Responsibilities

Collaboration & Leadership

Implement school policies and procedures aligned with AISB’s Mission, Vision, and Values
Apply current, research-based counseling practices in daily interactions
Collaborate with grade-level leaders, student support staff, program coordinators, and faculty to monitor student progress and develop academic and social support programs
Work closely with grade-level leaders, teachers, counselors, and the student support team to ensure each student’s holistic development
Support teacher professional learning on topics such as adolescent well-being, mental health, and conflict resolution
Serve as a leader in Child Protection, both prevention and response, promoting a safe and supportive learning environment
Contribute to the development and delivery of the advisory and SEL curriculum for Grades 6–8
Conduct parent meetings to discuss student progress and promote family engagement
Provide ongoing feedback to students that encourages growth and development
Partner with Elementary and High School Counselors and transition teams to plan and lead transition activities between divisions
Work with the admissions team to review files for middle school applicants and provide recommendations as needed

Student Support & Counseling

Provide academic, personal, social, and emotional counseling through individual and small group sessions
Identify students in need of additional support and coordinate targeted interventions or external referrals as appropriate
Work collaboratively with counselors, student support staff, and teachers to address students’ social, emotional, and academic needs
Identify students needing specialized support and coordinate targeted interventions or external referrals
Facilitate crisis intervention and follow-up as needed and provide appropriate referrals to mental health professionals
Design and deliver specific SEL lessons and workshops, including topics such as mental health, stress management, interpersonal skills, and growth and development
Lead and coordinate transition programs and events for students entering and exiting middle school

Academic Guidance

Collaborate with teachers, program coordinators, and parents to guide students in exploring pathways, course selection, and long-term academic goal setting
Conduct parent and student workshops and sessions on pathways, program choices, and scheduling to support students’ academic planning
Write recommendation letters for students transferring to other schools or programs

Program Development and Evaluation

Use data and feedback to evaluate and enhance counseling programs and student support systems
Maintain accurate, confidential records of counseling sessions and interventions in compliance with school policies and ethical guidelines
Integrate technology purposefully to improve communication and streamline processes

School & Community Engagement

Participate in extracurricular and experiential learning activities, including overnight Core Expeditions (Grades 6–12)
Contribute actively to faculty and parent meetings, and represent the school at conferences, university visits, and community events
Perform additional duties effectively (during and outside the regular school day) as required by the school

AISB is an equal opportunity employer.

AISB takes child safeguarding measures seriously.
Appointments are subject to satisfactory enhanced criminal checks.
The school reserves the right to appoint a candidate to the position ahead of the announced deadline, should a suitable applicant be identified.

Updated: November 2025