Educational Assistant (ELSA) - King George V School

ABOUT US

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools. About 70% of our students have parents who are permanent residents of Hong Kong.
ESF is proud of the high academic and wider achievements of our students. In 2020, 22 ESF students achieved the perfect score of 45 points in the IB Diploma examinations; more than 95% go on to leading universities worldwide.

ABOUT THE TEAM

At ESF King George V School (KGV), our purpose is based on our belief that every student can ‘be their own remarkable…’ as they achieve, improve and learn. Our vision is to create a ‘school for one’. A place where each and every person engages in remarkable learning to achieve at high levels and be the best they can be.
Our school is also about continual improvement. As an agile school, we collaborate and innovate to make a difference in the communities we serve and lead.
The school is well known for its commitment to developing all aspects of student life and it has a fine tradition in sport, music, drama, dance, community service, charity work and environmental sustainability. Our school has a very strong House system, which is run and inspired by our students and provides a wide range of learning opportunities and activities.

Job Description

We seek a dedicated and compassionate Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) to join our secondary school team. As a full-time trained ELSA, you will be vital in providing targeted support to students experiencing emotional difficulties or facing challenging circumstances. Your primary responsibility will be to offer individual and small-group interventions, helping students develop emotional literacy, resilience, and well-being. The successful candidates will join the Student Well-being Team and work closely with the Well-being Co-ordinator, the Student Counselling Team and other ELSA's to deliver ELSA interventions at KGV. The successful candidate will work five days a week from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm (may work longer sometimes for collaboration – typically until 5:00 pm on Mondays).

This position offers a two-year contract commencing in August 2024. There is also the potential for contract renewal upon completion of the initial term.

Responsibilities

• Social and Emotional Support: Provide small-group support to students through ELSA sessions on emotional well-being, social skills, and self-regulation. Foster a safe and nurturing environment where students can express their feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience
• Individual Intervention: Design and deliver personalized intervention plans tailored to students' emotional and social needs. Utilize evidence-based ELSA strategies, resources, and activities to address issues such as self-esteem, anxiety, anger management, friendship skills, and emotional regulation
• Group Interventions: Facilitate group sessions or workshops that address common emotional and social challenges students face. Topics may include self-confidence, conflict resolution, mindfulness, stress management, and empathy. Promote peer support, collaboration, and the development of healthy relationships within the group
• Collaborative Work: Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to supporting students' emotional well-being and academic success. Attend meetings, contribute to support plans, and provide recommendations
• Record Keeping and Monitoring: Maintain accurate records of each student's interventions, progress, and outcomes while respecting confidentiality. Regularly assess and monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust approaches as needed. Provide feedback to relevant stakeholders regarding students' emotional development and well-being
• Training and Resources: Stay updated on current research, best practices, and emotional literacy and well-being interventions. Attend professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Share resources and strategies with colleagues and contribute to developing a supportive school environment

Requirements

• ELSA trained
• Relevant experience working with students in an educational or youth support setting as an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
• Strong spoken and written English is essential
• Knowledge of emotional literacy, social-emotional development, and well-being strategies
• Understanding of common emotional difficulties faced by students and experience in implementing effective interventions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, parents, and staff members
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment
• Strong administrative and organizational skills to manage individual caseloads and documentation
• Collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a team environment
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students
• Willingness to engage in ongoing professional development related to emotional support and well-being 

Applicants must be a permanent Hong Kong resident or possess a valid visa to work in Hong Kong. For enquiries, please contact Ms Elsa Wong at [email redacted, apply via Company website]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

Aligned with the recommendations of the International Task Force on Child Protection, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective recruiting practices with specific attention to child protection.