Grades 4-8 Counselor

St. Anne's-Belfield School seeks a Grades 4-8 Counselor starting in the 2024-25 school year. The counselor maintains an open-door policy where students and parents can drop in to discuss social-emotional issues within the boundaries of confidentiality. Additionally, the Grades 4-8 Counselor will serve on the Lower and Middle School Student Support Teams, the PS-12 Student Support Services Department, and the K-8 Health Team.

The ideal candidate will be an energetic and proactive individual looking to form impactful relationships with students, communicate closely with families, collaborate with faculty, and serve as a leading resource in wellness programming in a deeply engaged and dynamic academic community.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be available to all students, their families, and faculty who seek information, advice, or assistance in support of student social-emotional well-being
• Participate in the weekly Lower and Middle School student support team meetings and grade team meetings on an as-needed basis, providing support for faculty and administration related to specific student needs/concerns
• Work closely with the division heads and assistant head/dean of students in implementing early interventions and support for students with social or emotional needs
• Collaborate with colleagues in the School's Student Support Services Department to create a well-rounded and cohesive program for all students
• Partner with the administration on school policies and programs related to mental health, bullying, and mandated reporting
• Provide families with referrals for community mental health providers and act as the liaison between that provider and the school so that effective action can be taken on behalf of the student
• Provide individual, small-group, and/or classroom support services to students
• Consult with teachers, parents, and administrators regarding a student's social and emotional development
• Assist students in understanding self and others, peer relationships, coping strategies, practical social skills, conflict resolution, behavior management, and/or symptoms associated with a mental health diagnosis.
• Lead professional development for faculty around the social and emotional needs of students
• Develop and lead family education programs on relevant lower and middle school topics

Requirements:

• A Master's degree or higher, at least three years of post-graduate clinical/school experience, and licensed or license eligible in the state of Virginia
• Good interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication, ability to maintain confidentiality, a love for children, and a sense of humor
• Experience in elementary and/or middle school setting
• All-in for all kids