Full Time School Counselor

School of the Holy Child is a 5-12 all-girls, Catholic, independent school in Westchester County, NY whose mission it is to develop “women of conscience and action.” Our founder, Cornelia Connelly, believed that all schools should? ?embody “joy in teaching and joy in learning” and this is evident on our campus each day. Accomplished and dedicated faculty members foster the spiritual development, individual talents and interests of each student. This is realized through rigorous and comprehensive academic, arts, athletics, service and global programs. Our 375 students come from 75 communities throughout the Bronx, Queens, and Westchester in New York, as well as Fairfield County in Connecticut. Holy Child graduates are prepared for the innovative and critical thought necessary in a diverse, interconnected society.

Holy Child seeks an experienced Upper School Counselor to work with students in grades 8-12. Ideal candidates will have experience working with students, families, and educators in an independent school and be able to foster relationships with each constituency, providing support for social emotional growth and wellness. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Counseling and Life Skills Support  

• Provide social and emotional support for self-referred and school-referred middle and upper school students in grades  8 through 12 using evidence-based methodologies
• Provide crisis counseling to students and families, as necessary 
• Coach individuals or groups of students on ways to effectively manage life stress 
• Refer students to specialized care as necessary and appropriate 
• Coordinate and consult with outside professionals to support students (e.g., tutors, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, chaplains, etc.) 
• Maintain and update referral list of health professionals and community resources 
• Serve on the Students of Concern team and consult with team members regarding individual students 
• Consult with and provide support to faculty, staff, and parents regarding individual students 
• Provide culturally affirming counseling to historically marginalized groups including students of color, LGBTQ+ and gender expansive populations, and students of all abilities 
• Ensure that consultative and educational practices are sensitive to the needs and experiences of the community, including socioeconomic status, gender identity and expression, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, or country of origin 
• Assist students in learning and demonstrating appropriate school behavior and in developing self-understanding and social skills including but not limited to problem solving, coping skills, and social skills through individual and group guidance and counseling activities 
• Meet with new students to assess progress and needs 

Wellness Education

• Present at parent events regarding student wellness 
• Meet with advisory and homeroom groups throughout the year 
• Consult with health and wellness teachers regarding health and wellness classes 
• Teach or co-teach health and wellness classes as determined by the Head of School 
• Work collaboratively with the advisory team and physical education department to create, implement, and teach health and wellness programs for students; experience and skill working collaboratively to develop, facilitate, and coordinate professional development and training programs for faculty and staff 

Administrative 

• Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation  
• Maintain records on all counseling/support encounters 
• Engage in mandated reporting 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines while simultaneously maintaining accurate records and consulting with colleagues as appropriate 
• Working knowledge of American School Counseling Association and LPC Board standards of practice preferred 
• Adherence to legal and ethical best practices, as articulated by New York State Law, and those designated by one’s professional organization such as the American Psychological Association or the National Association of Social Workers, the American School Counselor Association's Professional Standards and Competencies. This includes the ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients’ privacy  
• Respect for diversity of identities and experiences, an orientation toward equity and inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of school life 
• Demonstrated ability to work with adolescents to build trust and credibility 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to write concise, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills  
• Strong presentation skills and presence in front of small and large audiences 
• Strong communication skills – works with empathy, compassion, and professionalism 
• High degree of organizational skills with the ability to be flexible as needed 
• Ability to follow verbal and written directions, maintain a professional demeanor, and receptivity to constructive feedback 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Willingness and ability to learn additional software applications as needed 

School of the Holy Child actively seeks to forward the equity and diversity of our community in our admissions, programs, and hiring. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, ethnic origin, age, physical disability or sexual orientation in administration of our educational policies, hiring policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, athletics and other school-administered programs.

Interested candidates should forward their application to email address employment@holychildrye.org and indicate how he or she learned of the position. 

Qualifications

• A master’s or graduate degree in school counseling, social work, or a related field required; NYS counselor certification preferred 
• 5 + years of experience working with a diverse middle school and upper school-aged populations, as well as a fluent understanding that racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual identities interact with one’s beliefs and behavior and with a strong knowledge and understanding of child development, mental health disorders and learning differences
• Experience and skill in crisis assessment with children and adolescents

The ideal candidate will also have a flexible and team-oriented approach, strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and a good sense of humor. In addition, candidates with experience in an all-girl, faith-based school and those who will embrace our School's mission of developing women of conscience and action are preferable.