The School Counselor, as a member of both the Student Life Team and the Health Team, will be responsible for supporting the social and emotional needs of approximately 150 boarding and students in grades 9 through 12 and Post-Graduates. The Counselor is an integral part of the school’s culture and system; providing behavioral health support and engaging in prevention and intervention activities; offering mental health and wellness related support services, including case consultation and advice concerning student status, assessments, and treatment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Provide counseling to students on an as needed or emergency basis.
• Consult with families and refer, when needed, to outside mental health services.
• Develop collaborative professional relationships with outside therapists in order to support families in seeking outside therapy.
• Speak with parents individually who have concerns regarding their child’s developmental or mental health.
• Create an atmosphere of compassion, confidentiality, and collaboration with students, families, colleagues and administrators. Work collaboratively with the counseling team on issues related to the mental health of the community.
• Provide guidance and expertise on the developmental, cognitive, and psycho-social issues of children and adolescents.
• Provide on-call mental health services, including during school breaks.
• Monitor students who are working with private mental health providers.
• Maintain records and care notes of all counseling sessions and family communication, as required by CT Law and South Kent School Health Center policy.
• Create an environment to ensure equitable and respectful care and support for students with diverse cultural beliefs and practices, from varied backgrounds, and with varying degrees of health and wellness literacy.
• Confer with the Director of Health Services  and other clinical professionals for diagnostic and management assistance as necessary.
• Performs other duties as needed and assigned.

A Masters in mental health discipline, and at least 5 years of work experience with adolescents, preferably in an independent school environment, are preferred. Must hold a current CT license in a mental health field.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be experienced and have expertise in providing psychological therapy support in a diverse high school setting and/or with adolescents and families.
• Be comfortable and able to effectively communicate with colleagues, parents, and families in a timely manner.
• Have strong knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to counseling practices.
• Experience with work in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands listed below are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
• Must be able to work in an office environment.
• Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Requires substantial movement (motions) of wrists, hands, and fingers with keyboard use.
• Ability to use visual display..
• Ability to lift and transport up to 10 lbs. without assistance.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of post-offer, pre-employment criminal background checks and drug test.
• Maintain punctual and regular attendance.
• Work is performed on a smoke free campus.