Career Center

Gillispie School, an independent, coeducational day school located in downtown La Jolla enrolling 300 students from age two through Grade 6, is hiring for a School Counselor. This is an exciting time to join the Gillispie team. The School, celebrating its 70th anniversary, is nearing completion on a creative and thoughtful strategic plan that will chart the course for the next five years.

The successful candidate will be a team player who enjoys working with various constituent groups to support the wellbeing initiatives set out in the strategic plan. The School Counselor, as part of the Health and Wellness Team, will play an integral role in supporting the social and emotional growth of children. This individual will report to the Assistant Head of School.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The School counselor will:

• Meet one-to-one with students struggling with mild to moderate social emotional issues.
• Facilitate student support groups (i.e. on stress management or friendship)
• Keep the Head and Assistant Head of School informed of student behavior that is of serious concern.
• Assist in coordinating parent education programming on developmental milestones of children.
• Advise faculty regarding student issues, as well as provide professional growth on classroom behavior management ideas and interventions.
• Partner with Gillispie’s Student Learning Center professionals to help ensure that children feel ready and able to learn.
• Work with Physical Education teachers and School Nurse on student health and wellness instruction.
• Coordinate efforts with the Assistant Head of School on Gillispie’s SEL program.
• Provide resources and guidance for trauma therapy.
• Gather resources and collaborate with outside professionals to support student well-being; refer students to outside professional counselors/services and complete required documentation.
• Serve as the WeCare representative for Gillispie School.
• Actively promote a culturally inclusive environment and demonstrate a commitment and competency to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• Work with the Director of Development and Community Outreach to find and support community service initiatives.
• Become and remain actively engaged in the life of Gillispie.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.

CANDIDATE QUALITIES 

Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required, and Master’s Degree preferred, in psychology, social work, family counseling, or related field 
• 3+ years of meaningful experience in early childhood and elementary education settings
• Working knowledge and experience with the ASCA’s National Standards Model for School Counseling and Programs
• Licensed mental health professional
• California State Counseling Certification preferred, not required

Skills and Knowledge

• Works with sensitivity, wisdom, and confidentiality in helping children and their parents navigate their mental wellness
• Handles situations with discretion, an open mindset, and compassion
• Demonstrates a nurturing, curious, and positive attitude
• Possesses strong organizational skills in record keeping and demonstrates sound logic and reasoning skills
• Is adept at developing meaningful relationships 
• Adheres to the School's mission and conducts oneself in keeping with the Gillispie values and culture
• Supports community service opportunities for students and families
• Seeks best-practice professional growth experiences to further child wellbeing
• Has excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to be a vocal and visible advocate both internally and externally for Gillispie School
• Shows proficiency with widely used software (i.e. Google and Microsoft products)

About Gillispie School

The Gillispie School is an independent, coeducational day school enrolling 300 students from age two through Grade Six. Our campus is located in downtown La Jolla, and includes a fine arts garden, performing arts center, science lab/maker space, library, and gymnasium. Multiple outdoor play areas provide space for recess, physical education, and exploration. Students benefit from San Diego’s numerous natural and intellectual resources. - See more at: http://www.gillispie.org.

Connections working at Gillispie School