School Counselor

Job Summary
University School seeks an Upper School Counselor for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. The Upper School counselor is an integral member of the support team for University School’s students who will work cooperatively with the Director of the Upper School, the Dean of Students, the Upper School Learning Specialists, faculty, and families to coordinate the school’s counseling needs. The counselor will help University School be responsive to current research on adolescent development and will have a deep understanding of the educational, physical, social, and psychological needs of the students in our school community.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance and support for students, faculty, and families in the Upper School Community.
• Meets in one-on-one counseling sessions with students to address personal, academic, and social-emotional concerns. Provides a safe and confidential space for students to express themselves and explore solutions to their problems.
• Reports to the Division Director and serve on the Student Support Team; collaborate with the Division Director, Dean of Students, Learning Specialist, Grade Deans, Upper School Nurse and Wellness Director, Consulting Psychologists, Heads of House, and Faculty to identify students in need of academic, social, and emotional support.
• Serves as the primary point of contact with students and families regarding emotional concerns, and as the community expert in mental health along with the Consulting Psychologists. Including the coordination of care with outside providers, as needed.
• Responds promptly to crises or emergencies involving students. Coordinates the implementation of appropriate interventions and refers students to outside resources when necessary.
• Is familiar with and qualified to complete risk assessments and follow up.
• Collaborates closely with and contributes to an overall working partnership with the Consulting Psychologists on best practices for mental health.
• Acts as a contributing member of the school wellness team. Teaches Wellness courses and/or enrich Wellness programming for students and faculty as needed each year. Creates sessions on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, self-esteem building, healthy peer relationships and more. Creates and fosters a supportive environment in these sessions where students can share their experiences and learn from one another.
• Ensures compliance with legal requirements of government regulations and agencies regarding mental health; maintains the educational standards established by the state and by those agencies that examine and accredit the school.
• Has experience and organizational skills to manage caseload independently.
• Is visibly present throughout the school day and maintains a welcoming and open office environment.
• Is flexible to new circumstances and duties as assigned by the school.

Qualities & Approach

• Demonstrates a passion and understanding for boys’ social and emotional development and serve as a role model for young men.
• Demonstrates an inclination and skill in working, developing, and nurturing relationships with adolescent boys.
• Has integrity, conscientiousness, and a strong sense of professional ethics.
• Has a cooperative, collaborative, and supportive approach to their work.
• Is able to organize and independently manage their caseload.
• Is able to warmly and enthusiastically partner with students, faculty, and families.
• Continuously works to understand and enact best practices and innovations in the field of education and counseling in general and in boys’ schools in particular.
• Is able to recognize and express the long-term benefits of an all-boys education and the distinctive value of University School.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent; at least five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; counseling background.
• Certification as a school counselor, social worker, and/or Psychologist.
• Significant school counseling experience as well as a willingness to understand of the history and culture of University School.

Compensation

• Salary is commensurate with experience.

Note: The contents of the Position Description are only a summary of the typical functions of the job and is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the job holder might differ from those outlined in the position description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job.

University School is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions at the School are based on merit, qualifications, and skills.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, references, and transcript(s) to Human Resources at University School.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Physical Setting:

• Office
• Private school
• School

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000