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Team Lead Counseling - Job Opportunity at Christian Alliance International School

Hong Kong, HK
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 25, 2025
On-site
HKD 480,000 - 650,000 per year (USD 61,500 - 83,200) based on international school standards in Hong Kong for mid-level leadership positions requiring specialized counseling expertise and team management responsibilities

Benefits

Comprehensive international school environment providing exposure to diverse educational methodologies and multicultural student populations
Professional development opportunities through ongoing counseling research and clinical best practices training
Leadership role with supervisory responsibilities offering career advancement within educational administration
Two-year renewable contract structure providing job security and long-term career planning opportunities
Association with established Christian educational institution backed by Kowloon Tong Church providing organizational stability
Collaborative work environment with Senior Leadership Team and multidisciplinary Pastoral Care Team

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop a comprehensive school-wide mental health and social-emotional learning program serving the entire P-12 student population
Supervise and mentor a team of professional counselors while ensuring adherence to clinical best practices and professional development standards
Serve as Lead Child Protection Officer responsible for student safeguarding policies and compliance with local legislation
Manage departmental budget allocation and strategic planning for counseling services expansion
Coordinate crisis intervention protocols involving hospital, police, and social welfare agencies
Implement data-driven assessment and screening tools to identify at-risk students and develop intervention strategies
Collaborate with educational leadership to integrate counseling services with academic programming and student support systems
Maintain confidential student records and case management systems ensuring professional and legal compliance
Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives within the school community
Develop community partnerships with local mental healthcare professionals and government organizations

Requirements

Education

Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent, Master degree in guidance counselling, social work, or related field

Experience

At least three (3) years of experience in guidance/counselling at a P-12 school required

Required Skills

Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, and staff members Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Chinese preferred Strong competency in written and spoken English Ability to establish and maintain Christian standards of counselling within a biblical framework An understanding of special education and primary, secondary, and post-secondary education Ability to deliver articulate oral presentations, surveys, reports, and provide professional development Develop a school wide guidance curriculum Plan and deliver individual and group guidance/counselling Provide reasonable emergency support outside of school hours

Certifications

Membership and license in a professional counseling body preferred
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Industry Trends

International schools in Asia are experiencing unprecedented demand for mental health services as post-pandemic educational environments require enhanced social-emotional learning support and trauma-informed care approaches. The integration of Western counseling methodologies with local cultural sensitivities has become a critical differentiator for successful international educational institutions. Student mental health has emerged as a primary concern for expatriate families and local families choosing international education, driving schools to invest heavily in comprehensive counseling programs that can address cross-cultural adjustment challenges, academic pressure, and family dynamics in multicultural environments. Educational institutions are increasingly adopting holistic pastoral care models that integrate academic support, mental health services, and character development programs, requiring counseling leaders who can collaborate across departments and implement school-wide wellbeing initiatives.

Role Significance

Typically supervises 3-6 counseling professionals and support staff, with indirect influence over broader pastoral care team including learning support specialists, school nurses, and administrative personnel involved in student wellbeing initiatives.
This is a middle-management position with significant autonomy and strategic responsibility, reporting directly to Senior Leadership Team while managing a specialized department. The role combines clinical expertise with administrative leadership, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in student welfare and institutional policy development.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive social-emotional learning curriculum across all grade levels Development of crisis intervention protocols and emergency response procedures Creation of community partnership networks with local mental health providers Design and execution of professional development programs for counseling staff Establishment of data collection and analysis systems for student wellbeing metrics

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance clinical counseling expertise with administrative and leadership responsibilities in complex educational environments Cultural competency and sensitivity required for serving diverse international student populations while maintaining Christian educational values and frameworks Strong crisis management and child protection expertise essential for handling sensitive cases involving local authorities and international families Excellent communication skills in multiple languages necessary for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders including students, parents, faculty, and external agencies Strategic thinking and program development capabilities required for building comprehensive mental health services that integrate with broader educational objectives

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased focus on student mental health, limited pool of qualified bilingual counseling professionals in Hong Kong, and growing international school sector requiring specialized expertise in multicultural counseling approaches

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual communication capabilities are essential given Hong Kong's multicultural environment and the need to serve both expatriate and local families effectively. Chinese language skills particularly valuable for building trust with local families and collaborating with government agencies and local mental health providers. Crisis intervention and child protection expertise absolutely critical given the legal requirements and cultural sensitivities involved in student safeguarding in Hong Kong. Experience with international protocols and local legislation essential for managing complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions. Leadership and team management skills fundamental to success as the role requires supervising professional counselors while maintaining clinical standards and implementing institutional policies. Ability to mentor and develop staff directly impacts program quality and department effectiveness.

Beneficial Skills

International school experience highly valuable for understanding the unique challenges faced by expatriate families and third culture kids, enabling more effective counseling interventions and family support services. Understanding of various international curricula and educational systems beneficial for supporting students transitioning between educational contexts and planning for university preparation in multiple countries. Technology proficiency in counseling software and student information systems increasingly important for efficient case management, data analysis, and compliance with privacy regulations in educational settings.

Unique Aspects

Integration of Christian counseling principles with professional clinical practices creates a distinctive therapeutic approach not commonly found in secular international schools
Dual language requirements (English and Chinese) provide valuable professional development opportunities for counselors seeking to serve diverse Asian populations
Child Protection Officer role combined with counseling leadership offers comprehensive training in student safeguarding that is highly transferable across international educational settings
Direct collaboration with Senior Leadership Team provides unusual access to institutional decision-making and strategic planning processes for a counseling professional
Connection to broader church network creates opportunities for community engagement and professional networking beyond typical educational environments

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior leadership roles occurs within 3-5 years given the specialized expertise and leadership experience gained in this position, particularly for professionals who demonstrate success in program development and team management

Potential Next Roles

Director of Student Services or Student Affairs in larger international schools Assistant Principal or Vice Principal positions with pastoral care responsibilities Regional counseling coordinator for international school networks Independent educational consultant specializing in student wellbeing program development Senior leadership roles in international education management companies

Company Overview

Christian Alliance International School

Christian Alliance International School is a well-established non-profit international school in Hong Kong, wholly owned by Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance. The institution serves a diverse student population while maintaining Christian educational values and offering internationally recognized curricula. As part of a larger church organization, the school benefits from institutional stability and strong community connections within Hong Kong's Christian and expatriate communities.

CAIS holds a solid position in Hong Kong's competitive international school market, particularly among families seeking Christian-based education with international standards. The school's affiliation with an established church organization provides credibility and stability, while its non-profit status allows for reinvestment in educational programs and facilities rather than profit distribution.
Located in the Sham Shui Po District, the school serves both expatriate and local Hong Kong families seeking international education with Christian values. The institution's connection to the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance provides networks throughout Asia and globally, offering potential for professional development and career advancement within international Christian education.
The work environment emphasizes collaborative Christian values with strong emphasis on community service, pastoral care, and holistic student development. Staff members are expected to support the school's Christian mission while maintaining professional excellence in their specialized fields. The culture promotes teamwork, ongoing professional development, and commitment to serving diverse student populations with care and excellence.
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