First and Lower School Counselor (2025-2026)

Full-Time, 10 months, Exempt

Key School is seeking a school counselor for the First and Lower School programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. Reporting to the First and Lower School Division Head, the ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in fostering the holistic wellbeing and development of our students in providing guidance and support to students ages 2.5 years through 10 years old as well as faculty, and parents. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are paramount.

Job Responsibilities:

• Student Support and Intervention
  • Provide social and emotional counseling support for students
  • Provide referrals to outside mental health providers for students and families as needed
  • Serve as a liaison between outside mental health providers and the school
  • Initiate and lead small group meetings with students to support social skill development
  • Meet with student’s families as needed
• Program and Curriculum
  • Work with the counseling team and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to provide continuity and coherence in school-wide social and emotional learning programs
  • Teach SEL classes to students in Kindergarten through 4th grade
  • Collaborate with First and Lower School Division Head and Head of the Learning Department to support student learning needs
  • Collaborate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and DEIB Liaisons to support initiatives in creating a positive, inclusive environment that fosters respect, collaboration and belonging.
• Professional Development
  • Work with First and Lower School Division Heads to prioritize areas of professional development for faculty and staff
  • Plan and implement faculty/staff professional development sessions on relevant topics, using external professionals and resources as needed
• Parent Education
  • Work with First and Lower School Division Head to plan and implement parent education programs in which the School Counselor is involved directly or in a facilitative role with outside resources and speakers

The Ideal Candidate Possesses the Following Characteristics:

• A self-starter with the capacity to build relationships and engage students, parents, staff, and colleagues
• Clinical experience with varying adolescent mental health issues, such as personal identity, conflict resolution and crisis intervention
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish trust and credibility
• High level of cultural responsiveness and commitment to DEIB work
• Commitment to Key School’s values and Mission
• Accessible and responsive; serves others through collaborative problem-solving and openness to new ideas

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree and L.C.S.W. or equivalent certification required
• Minimum of 5 years of counseling experience with young children
• Relevant experience in a educational setting preferred

Physical Requirements:

The demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Daily desk work, including significant amounts of telephone and computer time; as part of daily routines, the ability to move around a mid-size campus with uneven pavement and manage stairs; frequent walking inside and outside responding to campus issues and/or checking on various departmental progress.

Compensation/Benefits:

Key School offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, a generous 403(b) Plan, 10 Sick Days, 2 Personal Days, and much more.

The salary range for this position is $76,000 - 78,000 and is based upon several factors that include, but not limited to the candidate’s years of work experience, education and skills. There are additional opportunities on campus for coaching and various stipends as well.

Technical Competencies:

Key is a Google Workspace for Education school. All candidates should be proficient in common productivity software and hold a solid understanding of cloud-based storage and file-sharing platforms, including applications such as Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Drive. Candidates should be able to efficiently manage their email and schedule using Gmail and Google Calendar. They should also have the ability to use and perform basic troubleshooting on common workplace technology such as printers, copiers, and projectors. Proficiency in virtual communication tools like Zoom or Google Meet is a plus.

Work Schedule/Travel:

Occasionally, there may be business and school functions that will require your presence to work flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends and travel outside of Annapolis.

About the School

Founded in 1958 by professors from St. John's College, Key School engages children from 2.5 years of age through grade 12 in a progressive, coeducational, college-preparatory program on its picturesque 15-acre campus 4 miles from downtown Annapolis.

Key School is a dynamic, tight-knit community deeply committed to ensuring students are supported and challenged to excel educationally and personally and be confident, courageous, critical thinkers prepared to engage with the world. Our Community is as diverse as it is warm and welcoming.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Key is particularly interested in candidates with experience in creating inclusive school settings and who are culturally responsive. We are seeking candidates with a commitment to educational equity and justice. We learn and grow both as individuals and as a school community when students and adults of diverse backgrounds, abilities and identities develop an understanding of and respect for our commonalities and differences. Together, we have created a community that reflects diversity across a broad spectrum and will help fulfill Key’s promise to prepare our students for the challenges and responsibilities they will assume in an increasingly connected yet diverse and pluralistic world. The diverse student body is 39% students of color, and 32% of our students receive financial aid to create a socioeconomically diverse community. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, at Belonging at Key.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, completed application, and three professional references by selecting the link.

Salary : $76,000 - $78,000