About the Job

Who we are

SOS Kindergartens and SOS Schools were initially established as affiliated facilities to SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia to provide formal education to children drawn from SOS Family Care and the surrounding community. Except for a few scholarship holders, the majority of the students were paying tuition fees which were not more than 50 percent of the cost of education services. Later on (end of 2016), with the change in the legal and funding stream, these educational establishments were transformed into business entities. In converting the facilities from not-for-profit into a subsidiary profit-making enterprise, SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia is leveraging external resources as an alternative funding model.

The “enterprise” in this form has a dual objective of making a profit while achieving a social purpose. The business generates funds (profit) to implement programs, expand the scope of operations, enhance employee capacity and build infrastructure. In addition, the enterprise was intended to serve as the centre of excellence in the provision of quality educational service to citizens and thereby impact the quality of education by other service providers in regions where the enterprise has a presence.

Currently, SOS Schools operate as a business in 7 City Administrations of 7 Regional States - Mekelle, Harar, Hawassa, Bahir Dar and Jimma, Gode and Addis Ababa.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At SOS Kindergartens and SOS Schools, safeguarding isn't just a policy, it's a foundational value embedded in everything we do. We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting the children, young people, adults, and communities we serve, as well as our workforce and resources.

We cultivate an environment of trust and accountability where every voice is heard and respected. All successful candidates will be expected to champion our holistic safeguarding principles, actively upholding our Child & Youth Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and regulations against sexual misconduct, fraud, and corruption.

By joining our team, you commit to integrating these vital standards into your work, ensuring the highest levels of safety, ethics, and integrity in every action and partnership.

Together, we create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and protected.

SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools in Ethiopia is looking for competent and able candidates (Guidance & Counselors) for its branch schools in (Harar and Addis Ababa) who meet the following requirements: - 

General Aim of the Position

• To provide academic, emotional, social, speech-language, and behavioral support to all students, with a particular focus on students with special needs or those requiring additional learning support.

• To create and implement inclusive educational programs that foster personal growth, independence, communication, and academic success for all students, including those with physical, emotional, mental, and learning disabilities.

• To collaborate with teachers, staff, parents, and external specialists to ensure a well-rounded and individualized approach to student development.

• To advocate for children’s rights, independence, dignity, and inclusion across the school community.

Key Responsibilities

1. Planning and Program Development

• Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school-based counseling, speech therapy, and special needs programs.

• Develop frameworks for guidance and counseling services that address the unique needs of students, including those with special educational requirements.

• Create individualized learning, therapy, and intervention plans (IEPs/ISPs), ensuring they are evidence-based, data-driven, and aligned with educational standards.

• Establish and implement action plans for intervention, prevention, and student support that enhance academic, social, and emotional outcomes.

2. Student Services and Support

• Provide one-on-one and group counseling services to students, addressing academic, personal/social, emotional, speech, and behavioral challenges.

• Conduct speech, language, psycho-educational, and developmental screenings to identify children needing additional support.

• Deliver individualized and small-group therapy sessions focusing on communication, language, learning skills, social-emotional growth, and behavioral adjustment.

• Support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, or mental health concerns by adapting teaching methods, materials, and assessments.

• Coordinate with teachers to adapt curricula and strategies for inclusivity and student engagement.

• Provide vocational and career counseling, guiding students toward their future goals while considering their abilities and interests.

• Monitor and evaluate progress, keeping detailed records and providing reports for intervention planning.

3. Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as a liaison between students, teachers, parents, and external service providers, ensuring clear communication regarding student needs and progress.

• Conduct workshops and programs for parents on child development, learning strategies, speech/language stimulation, and managing behavioral challenges.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assess, plan, and review student progress.

• Coordinate with school leadership and community stakeholders to advocate for students with disabilities and ensure timely support.

4. Support to Staff and Teachers

• Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors and developing appropriate strategies for students with special needs.

• Train and guide teachers on early identification of developmental delays, speech/language concerns, and inclusive teaching practices.

• Provide professional development for staff on effective student management, inclusive education, and recognizing at-risk students.

• Co-plan and co-teach lessons where individualized support is required.

• Facilitate smooth transitions for students with special needs between grade levels and school stages.

5. Parental Involvement and Community Outreach

• Engage with parents through meetings, counseling sessions, and regular updates on student progress.

• Provide practical strategies parents can use at home to support children’s growth.

• Facilitate parent workshops or group sessions on early childhood development, special needs inclusion, and speech/language development.

• Act as a liaison to connect parents with external specialists and services when needed.

6. Professional Practices and Development

• Adhere to ethical standards in counseling, speech therapy, and special education practices, including maintaining confidentiality.

• Continuously assess the effectiveness of counseling, therapy, and special education programs, making evidence-based adjustments.

• Participate in ongoing professional development, including conferences, workshops, and training related to counseling, speech therapy, and inclusive education.

• Contribute to school-wide committees and initiatives promoting child protection, health, and inclusive learning.

  1. Program Evaluation:

• Conduct professional development workshop on identifying at-risk students. 

• Conducting student needs assessment.

• Participating in the evaluation process as it relates to General guidance & Counseling, Life-Skills, Meta-Cognitive Skills, Career-Counseling, Extra-Curricular related programs

• Completes assessments, referrals, and counseling with students and families. 

• Providing additional services as required by the School

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Strong knowledge of guidance counseling, special education, speech therapy practices, and inclusive teaching strategies.

• Experience working with students with special needs and disabilities, as well as those requiring additional academic, developmental, or behavioral support.

• Skilled in using psychological, speech-language, and developmental assessment tools.

• Ability to design individualized intervention and therapy plans.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and counseling skills.

• Ability to collaborate with teachers, parents, and external agencies.

• Good organizational and record-keeping skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Creativity in using materials, games, and activities for therapy and counseling.

Personal Qualities

• Deep empathy and compassion for children with special needs.

• Strong commitment to student development, inclusivity, and holistic growth.

• Patience, resilience, and flexibility in working with students with challenging needs.

• Advocacy for children’s rights, independence, and dignity.

• Strong organizational skills, professionalism, and confidentiality.

• Growth mindset with openness to learning and innovation.

Required Education and Experience

• Education: BA Degree in Applied Psychology,  Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Psychology or a related field.

• Training: Certification or specialized training in School Counseling, Special Needs Education, or Speech-Language Therapy preferred.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of professional experience in guidance counseling, speech therapy, or special education, preferably in a school setting.

             
How to Apply              
Applicants with the above mentioned criteria shall submit their application, CV, and other credential & Supportive documents to SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Via  www.ethiojobs.netor in person at the specified Branch SOS Hermann Gmeiner School.

 

Applicant must write ‘the position & SOS School Branch (Location) you want to apply for' in the subject line of your email.

 Female applicants are highly encouraged.

Job Requirements

BA Degree in Applied Psychology,  Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Psychology or a related field. Additional  Certification or specialized training in School Counseling, Special Needs Education, or Speech-Language Therapy preferred.

How To Apply

Applicants with the above mentioned criteria shall submit their application, CV, and other credential & Supportive documents to SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Via  www.ethiojobs.net, or in person at the specified Branch SOS Hermann Gmeiner School. 

Job Requirements This role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, School Psychology, or a related field. The successful candidate should possess relevant knowledge and skills in psychological support, counseling practices, and student or community-focused interventions to effectively contribute to organizational objectives. How to Apply Apply using the provided link below.