What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood/Elementary Counselor position at Washington Episcopal School?
Early Childhood/Elementary Counselor
Washington Episcopal School (WES) in Bethesda, Maryland, is seeking an Early Childhood/Elementary Division Counselor. WES counselors work with students to develop social/emotional well-being, including social skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, coping skills, and navigating challenges at home and at school. Counselors collaborate with families, teachers, administrators, and outside mental health professionals to meet each student’s needs.
Student Support
Develop and implement a social-emotional curriculum for grades PK-3 - Grade 3.
Observe and assess students’ social-emotional functioning to establish goals and objectives for support and progress. Respond with appropriate intervention strategies to meet the needs of the individual, group, or school community before, during, and after school.
Through small group and individual counseling, provide ongoing student support, particularly during times of transition, heightened stress, critical change, or other situations impeding student success.
Demonstrate knowledge and respect of differences in customs, communications, traditions, values, and other traits among students based on race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or intellectual ability, and other factors.
Maintain accurate and complete records and confidential student files.
Teacher Support
Collaborate as an active leader of the Student Support Team.
Meet regularly with teams of teachers and administrators to discuss and share student social/emotional and wellness needs and accommodations, as well as strategies for effective support.
Assist teachers with collecting and interpreting assessments (observations, anecdotal notes, real-time conversations, etc.) to determine student progress and the effectiveness of interventions and strategies.
Oversee related referrals, coordination, and review of evaluation reports; develop summaries for teachers from external evaluations if appropriate.
Serve on the Admission Committee to screen and review all candidates.
Provide professional development and consultation to faculty regarding child development, student health and wellness support, and positive growth and learning at various age levels.
Parent Support
Serve as the point of contact for families of students with social-emotional challenges.
Actively develop strong relationships with families and serve as a guide and support; maintain regular communication with parents.
Provide referrals and summarize findings from evaluations.
Coordinate and participate in parent conferences as needed.
Provide parent-related support services, resources, and coaching.
Washington Episcopal School is an independent, co-educational school for students from Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 8. Washington Episcopal School inspires academic and personal excellence within a joyful learning environment to develop students who are kind, confident, and prepared.
WES provides a competitive wage and an inviting, professional, and collegial working environment. WES is committed to a diverse and inclusive community and seeks applications for this position from candidates who will contribute to an environment where all are valued and supported.
