Lower School Counselor (Grades K-3)

Chapin’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): All Chapin students and professional community members are valued and appreciated for their unique identities, including their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, talents, and interests. We expect Chapin faculty to employ culturally informed, equity-focused teaching practices in order to reach all students and ensure they are known and understood. Each individual belongs to and is an integral part of our affirming and joyful learning community. To support this commitment, Chapin actively seeks diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. All candidates are encouraged to be familiar with Chapin’s DEIB commitment found on the School’s website.

Job Overview

TheLower School Counselor is student-centered, passionate about young learners, and eager to develop relationships guided by empathy, compassion, and curiosity. They are integral and present figures in the daily life of the Lower School community and are dedicated to all students' social and emotional development. This approachable and flexible individual reports to the Head of the Lower School and works in partnership with LS faculty, Learning Resources, and the Student Support Team to ensure student growth.

Chapin’s Lower School Counselor will be:

A counselor who demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive and integrated Social and Emotional programming who

• Identify developmental, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students in Grades K-3 to collaborate and assist faculty with planning to meet these needs

• Is knowledgeable of SEL programs (e.g. Little Spot of Feelings, Responsive Classroom, Fly Five, etc.) and works collaboratively with faculty in the training, planning, implementation, and alignment across each grade

• Uses evidence-based practices, research, and student needs to inform decisions and programming that support the social-emotional, health, and wellness of all Lower School students

• Recognizes the importance of integrating SEL in all aspects of students’ lives at school and supports students via participation in classroom teaching, small group, and one-on-one meetings as needed

A counselor who values each student’s voice, experience, and history who

• Possesses a deep understanding of child development and promotes an appreciation for student wellness and an understanding of the connection between emotional health and intellectual wellbeing

• Collaborates with teachers to address behaviors or needs when presented in the classroom, and responds both proactively and responsively.

• Identifies through observation the individual, classroom, and grade-wide social and emotional needs of students, and addresses specific trends, to design appropriate interventions and supports

A counselor who actively cultivates a classroom and community of belonging by

• Building deep relationships with students, families, and faculty.

• Utilizing moments within the life of the school day such as during recess, lunch, and community events to engage students in meaningful ways

• Centering social and emotional learning within the Lower School program Possessing experience in cultural competencies and applying these understandings in their work with students, faculty, families, and in curriculum

• Prioritizing continuous examination of own biases with respect to student diversity, equity, and inclusion

A partner to students, their parents, and colleagues in the social and emotional needs of Lower School students who

• Maintains consistent communication and follows through with faculty and families in a confidential and supportive manner

• Guides teachers to build their SEL capacity and create authentic relationships with students

• Collaborates with equity coordinators and homeroom teachers to ensure equitable practices within the SEL programming in homerooms and individual and family work

• Provides guidance and support to parents around child development and issues related to mental health

• Establishes and maintains connections with outside providers and manages individual crisis intervention

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s or Doctoral Degree in School Counseling or School Psychology

• Five or more years of experience in an elementary school setting

• Experience and or knowledge of SEL programs such as Responsive Classroom/Fly Five/Second Step/Little Spot of Feelings etc.

Preferred

• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest as our students learn Spanish starting in Kindergarten

• Commitment to DEIB/Culturally Responsive Practice

The salary for the position will be commensurate with experience and the range is $90,000-$140,000

How :

Interested candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter. Applicants who apply by March 7th will receive priority. Candidates who apply after March 7th will be considered on a rolling basis.