William Penn Charter School is a Quaker, coeducational, pre-K-12 independent, day school in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Established in 1689 by William Penn and members of the Religious Society of Friends, Penn Charter is a community guided by Quaker testimonies and the central belief that there is "that of God" in every person. A school community that honors difference, Penn Charter seeks to be a place where diversity is understood, represented and valued. Our curriculum embraces a plurality of cultures and celebrates an array of voices, instilling in us a deeper understanding and empathy for individuals in this community and the world.

 As our mission states, we value scholarship and inquiry. With excellence as our standard, we challenge students in a vigorous program of academics, arts and athletics. Through global connections, civic engagement and a focus on environmental sustainability, we inspire students to be thinkers, collaborators, innovators and leaders. We educate students to live lives that make a difference.

POSITION SUMMARY

William Penn Charter School seeks a Middle School Counselor to cover an extended leave from late August 2022 until mid January 2023 (08/22/2022 - 01/13/2023). Applicants must possess a Master’s Degree in Counseling or related field, 3-5 years of relevant experience and an interest in working with a diverse population. 

The substitute counselor will continue to fulfill the duties of our current counselor by providing partnership, support, instruction and education to our students, parents and teachers in meeting the social and emotional needs of our students in grades 6-8. The successful candidate will also support our community through proactive educational efforts that focus on healthy decision-making, self-advocacy, good communication, transitions, resiliency and more. 

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with teachers to provide a supportive learning environment for Middle School students
• Address students’ needs through individual appointments, groups, observations and mental health education
• Serve as a resource for parents by providing information, guidance and education
• Participate on Student Support Teams and administrative committees as needed
• Teach one or more courses to Middle School students on health, social and emotional development or other topics related to mental health

Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish good rapport with students, parents and colleagues
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, attention to detail and follow-through 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in their approach to the work and building relationships with students and other community members 

Physical demands

• Intermittent or prolonged periods of sitting and standing
• Ability to lift approximately 20 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Counseling or related field
• Three - five years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Quaker Education and the Religious Society of Friends
• Experience in working in a PK-12 school environment

Salary and benefits  

• William Penn Charter School offers competitive salaries and comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents. 
• William Penn Charter School is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

We will review application materials as they are submitted and interview candidates on a rolling basis until the position has been filled.

Prior to hiring, we ask all potential employees to be vaccinated and protected from the life-threatening impact of COVID 19. At Penn Charter we have supported our community's efforts to eradicate the spread of COVID 19 by facilitating access to Covid-19 vaccinations for all current employees and eligible students.

William Penn Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.