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Team Lead Counseling - Job Opportunity at Christian Alliance International School

Kowloon, Hong Kong
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 27, 2025
On-site
HKD 600,000 - 800,000 per year (USD 77,000 - 103,000), reflecting senior leadership position in Hong Kong's competitive international school market with budget management and team supervision responsibilities

Benefits

Competitive 2-year renewable contract structure providing employment stability and career development continuity in the international education sector
Mid-August start date allowing for comprehensive summer preparation and smooth academic year transition
Professional development opportunities to remain current in guidance and counseling research, enhancing career advancement prospects
Leadership role with budget management responsibilities, providing valuable financial oversight experience
Collaborative work environment with Senior Leadership Team integration, offering strategic decision-making exposure
International school setting providing cross-cultural professional experience highly valued in global education markets

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop a comprehensive school-wide social-emotional and mental health program that directly impacts student wellbeing outcomes and academic success across all grade levels
Provide strategic supervision and mentorship to counseling staff, ensuring clinical excellence and professional development while maintaining departmental standards
Execute critical child protection leadership as Lead Child Protection Officer, safeguarding student welfare through legal compliance and risk management protocols
Drive departmental financial planning and budget management, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and resource optimization for maximum program effectiveness
Facilitate high-level collaboration with administrators and teaching staff to integrate counseling services into the broader educational framework and institutional goals
Implement evidence-based assessment and screening protocols to identify at-risk students and coordinate appropriate intervention strategies
Maintain confidential student records and case management systems while ensuring compliance with professional standards and institutional policies
Foster an inclusive, diverse, and supportive school environment that promotes equity and belonging for students from varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
Coordinate emergency response protocols and liaison with external agencies including hospitals, police, and social welfare organizations for student crisis intervention
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with local mental healthcare professionals and government organizations to expand student support resources

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, International School experience would be an advantage

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 Develop a school wide guidance curriculum Plan and deliver individual and group guidance/counselling Provide reasonable emergency support outside of school hours An understanding of special education and primary, secondary, and post-secondary education Ability to establish and maintain Christian standards of counselling within a biblical framework Consult with staff and parents in planning appropriate services for students Provide professional advice to students and parents and professional development where needed Develop ongoing partnerships with local mental healthcare professionals and government organizations Ability to deliver articulate oral presentations, surveys, reports, and provide professional development Assist students and their families in receiving appropriate assistance from other programs and services

Certifications

Membership and license in a professional counseling body preferred
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

International schools in Hong Kong are experiencing increased demand for comprehensive mental health and counseling services as awareness of student wellbeing becomes central to educational excellence and competitive positioning in the global education market. The integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs has become a critical differentiator for international schools, with institutions investing heavily in qualified leadership to develop evidence-based programs that meet both Western educational standards and local cultural expectations. Child protection and safeguarding protocols have become increasingly sophisticated and legally mandated across international education systems, creating high demand for qualified professionals who can navigate complex cross-cultural legal frameworks while maintaining institutional compliance. The post-pandemic educational landscape has intensified focus on student mental health support, with schools seeking experienced leaders who can build resilient counseling programs that address trauma, anxiety, and diverse student populations in multicultural environments.

Role Significance

Typically supervising 3-6 counseling and guidance support staff members, with potential for growth based on school enrollment and program expansion, while coordinating with broader pastoral care and learning support teams totaling 15-20 professionals.
Senior leadership position with direct reporting to Senior Leadership Team, significant autonomous decision-making authority over departmental operations, budget management responsibilities, and strategic input into school-wide policies affecting student welfare and institutional compliance.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive social-emotional learning curriculum aligned with international best practices and local cultural considerations Development of crisis intervention protocols and emergency response systems coordinated with local healthcare and government agencies Design and execution of professional development programs for teaching staff in mental health awareness and classroom-based intervention strategies Creation of data-driven assessment systems for tracking student wellbeing outcomes and program effectiveness Establishment of community partnerships with local mental health professionals and advocacy organizations to expand student support networks

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to bridge Western counseling methodologies with Christian educational values and Chinese cultural contexts, requiring sophisticated cultural competency and theological understanding to serve diverse student populations effectively. Strong leadership and change management capabilities to transform existing counseling services into comprehensive, evidence-based programs while maintaining staff morale and institutional support during periods of growth and development. Exceptional crisis management and decision-making skills under pressure, particularly in child protection scenarios requiring immediate coordination with external agencies while maintaining student confidentiality and family relationships. Bilingual communication excellence enabling effective engagement with diverse stakeholder groups including expatriate families, local Hong Kong families, mainland Chinese families, and multicultural teaching staff with varying cultural expectations. Strategic thinking and budget management acumen to optimize limited resources while expanding program reach and effectiveness, demonstrating clear return on investment in student outcomes and institutional reputation.

Market Demand

High demand due to increased focus on student mental health, limited pool of qualified bilingual candidates with international school experience, and growing regulatory requirements for child protection expertise in educational settings

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Bilingual communication capabilities are essential for effectiveness in Hong Kong's multicultural environment, enabling meaningful engagement with diverse family structures and cultural expectations while navigating complex cross-cultural counseling scenarios that require nuanced understanding of both Western and Chinese approaches to mental health. Child protection expertise has become non-negotiable in international education due to increasing legal requirements and institutional liability concerns, requiring continuous professional development and deep understanding of local laws combined with international safeguarding standards. Crisis intervention and emergency response skills are paramount given the high-pressure nature of international school environments where student crises can involve complex family dynamics, cultural considerations, and coordination with multiple agencies across different legal and healthcare systems. Leadership and team management abilities directly impact program success and institutional reputation, requiring sophisticated understanding of professional development, performance management, and change leadership in multicultural educational environments.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced training in trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapeutic interventions would enhance program effectiveness and professional credibility while addressing growing student mental health needs in post-pandemic educational environments. Technology proficiency in student information systems, data analysis, and digital counseling platforms would improve program efficiency and enable sophisticated outcome tracking that demonstrates value to institutional leadership and accreditation bodies. Grant writing and fundraising capabilities would expand program resources and enable innovative initiatives that distinguish the school's counseling services while building community partnerships and external support networks. Research and publication experience in international education or cross-cultural counseling would enhance professional reputation and contribute to institutional academic standing while advancing the field's understanding of effective practices in diverse educational settings.

Unique Aspects

Integration of Christian counseling principles with international best practices creates distinctive therapeutic approach requiring specialized training and cultural sensitivity not commonly found in secular international school environments.
Dual language expectations (English and Chinese) significantly limit candidate pool while providing valuable professional development opportunity for counselors seeking to expand cultural competency and serve diverse Asian communities.
Child Protection Officer designation carries substantial legal and ethical responsibilities in Hong Kong's evolving regulatory environment, providing critical expertise valuable across international education sector.
Budget management responsibilities unusual for counseling positions provide valuable business skills and strategic planning experience that enhance career advancement potential in educational leadership.
Pastoral Care Team collaboration offers unique opportunity to work within integrated support system combining academic, emotional, and spiritual student development approaches.

Career Growth

Typically 4-7 years to advance to executive leadership roles, with progression timeline dependent on continued professional development, advanced degree completion, and demonstrated success in program outcomes and institutional impact

Potential Next Roles

Director of Student Services or Dean of Students at larger international schools with expanded responsibilities for residential life, activities, and broader student development programs Principal or Head of School positions at smaller international schools where counseling leadership experience provides valuable perspective on holistic student development and institutional culture Regional Director roles with international school networks overseeing multiple campuses and standardizing student support services across diverse cultural contexts Independent consulting positions specializing in international school counseling program development, child protection compliance, or cross-cultural mental health services

Company Overview

Christian Alliance International School

Christian Alliance International School operates as a non-profit educational institution under the Kowloon Tong Church of the Chinese Christian and Missionary Alliance, representing a well-established presence in Hong Kong's competitive international education sector with strong ties to the Christian community and commitment to values-based education.

Positioned as a mid-tier international school in Hong Kong's highly competitive market, offering alternative to premium British and American schools while maintaining strong academic standards and distinctive Christian educational philosophy that appeals to families seeking values-integrated education.
Located in Kowloon, providing strategic access to diverse Hong Kong communities while serving both expatriate and local families seeking international curriculum within a Christian framework, competing with numerous established international schools in the territory.
Faith-based institutional culture emphasizing service, community, and holistic student development, with expectation that staff members support and integrate Christian values into professional practice while serving diverse student populations with varying religious backgrounds and cultural perspectives.
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