What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lower School Counselor position at The Bush School?
The Bush School is dedicated to valuing different perspectives and backgrounds, inspiring curiosity, motivating employees to take risks, and encouraging compassion and kindness. Our employees enjoy an environment that inspires creativity while being part of a collaborative community.
Lower School Counselor Faculty (Seattle, WA)
Part Time (0.6 FTE) Salary/Exempt
Academic Year Schedule (2025-2026)
*This position is eligible for health benefits (details during hiring process).
*This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this
position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship.
The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our Lower School team as a Lower School Counselor. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency. We are building a team in which diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and talents are valued in order to work with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.
The Lower School Counselor reports to the Lower School Director and works closely with students and families, as well as Lower School Faculty and Staff in grades K-2, while also being an active member of the school’s Support Services Department. This position will be responsible for the collaboration and consultation for the creation of interventions for students in need of emotional/behavioral support.
While other duties may be assigned, a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below:
- Coordination and collaboration with Lower School Counselor for grades 3-5
- Crisis intervention with students (including family and staff as relevant or related)
- Student support team meeting participation to holistically support students with academic and social emotional needs
- Development and implementation of Parent education support, workshops, and communications
- Whole group (classroom) interventions as needed in collaboration with teaching staff
- Coordination with outside supports (therapists, hospitals, crisis coordinator, etc.) when applicable
- Facilitate counseling sessions with individuals or small groups (short term basis)
- Provide referrals for families who need more prolonged social, emotional, and behavioral support
- Collaborate with Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School Counselors as needed
- Divisional responsibilities including recess duties, lunch duties, etc.
Experience and Professional Competencies:
- Experience in counseling is required, with 3 or more years preferred
- A bachelor’s degree is required, with a master’s degree is preferred
Successful candidates will have:
- A philosophy that aligns with the school’s mission and values – please review the school’s mission and values on our website (www.bush.edu)
- The capacity and desire to engage in experiential activities and programs with students
- The ability to be patient and positive and find joy in the journey of promoting a lifelong love of learning
- An ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, students and families in order to maintain constructive and professional relationships
- A commitment to completing work in a timely and thorough manner while being conscientious about assignments and deadlines
- A willingness to participate in professional growth/development opportunities
- Have proficient skills in the use of technology, including, but not limited to Mac or Windows OS, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and relevant cloud-based tools
Additional Requirements:
- Have a current Adult and Children CPR, First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date)
- Meet the school’s standards when completing two separate background screenings
Compensation/Benefit Information for this position:
- Salary Range: $34,272 - $62,250
- Faculty employees with a Master’s degree, PhD and/or National Certification may be eligible for additional compensation
- The school offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package to benefits-eligible employees, which includes:
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- Employer-paid medical insurance for eligible employees (includes an employee paid buy-up plan option)
- Employer-paid dental and vision insurance for eligible employees
- Health Savings Account with employer contribution for eligible employees
- Medical, dental and vision insurance for dependents of eligible employees (employee paid)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available to eligible employees (employee paid)
- Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance for eligible employees
- Employer-paid Life Insurance for eligible employees
- Optional Voluntary Life Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
- Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
- Optional Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)
- Retirement Plan available to eligible employees. The Retirement Plan includes generous employer contributions that align with specific years of service.
- Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their dependents
- School lunch discounts
- Free parking at Seattle, WA campus
- Use of school fitness center
- Paid Time Off (sick leave and personal days)
- Professional Development opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at www.bush.edu and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the “About Bush” tab) for additional information/instructions.
If you are interested in working at The Bush School, but this position doesn’t fit your talents, please visit our website for additional openings: www.bush.edu.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.
Salary : $34,272 - $62,250