Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart seeks a Lower School Counselor to serve students in Grades 4–6 (ages 9–12). This counselor will work at the intersection of social-emotional learning and individualized student support, providing proactive programming and responsive counseling during a pivotal period of development marked by deepening self-awareness, increasing peer complexity, and growing academic demands. This counselor will be part of the Student Support Services team and will serve as a trusted adult presence, helping students develop the resilience, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills they will carry into the Upper School and beyond.

Under the direct leadership of the Director of Student Support Services, and in collaboration with the Lower School Head, Associate Lower School Head, the Student Support Services team, and school administration, the Lower School Counselor, Grades 4–6, will work both proactively and responsively to support the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Essential duties and responsibilities: The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• A commitment to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart network schools as articulated in the school mission.
• Serves as an active member of the Student Support Services and Counseling teams, collaborating to support individual students while contributing to the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of the team as needed.
• Designing, implementing, and continuously evaluating a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate social, emotional, and developmental curriculum for Grades 4–6.
• Delivering regular social, emotional, and developmental curriculum in partnership with teachers, addressing topics such as self-concept and identity, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, empathy, healthy peer relationships, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship.
• Developing and leading targeted programming around key Grades 4–6 developmental milestones and transitions, including the bridge from the Primary and the transition into the Upper School.

• Collaborating with faculty to integrate social, emotional, and developmental practices into daily classroom routines and the broader school culture.
• Providing individual counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges, making timely and appropriate referrals to licensed mental health professionals when clinically indicated.
• Responding to and managing crises or emergencies affecting students, following established school protocols, and coordinating appropriately with administrators, families, and outside professionals
• Facilitating small group sessions addressing common Grades 4–6 concerns such as anxiety, friendship and peer dynamics, academic stress, self-advocacy, identity development, and navigating change.
• Building genuine, trust-based relationships with all students in Grades 4–6, maintaining an accessible and welcoming counseling presence across classrooms, outdoor spaces, and school events.
• Supporting students and families through significant transitions, including the move from Grade 6 into the Upper School.
• Reviewing Psychoeducational evaluations and participating in parent meetings as well as outside provider meetings related to students' diagnosis. 
• Partnering with the Student Support Services team and school leadership to develop, implement, and monitor student learning plans.
• Engaging families as active partners, sharing observations, providing developmentally grounded guidance, and coordinating referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Collaborating with the Upper School counseling team to ensure smooth, well-supported transitions for students entering Grade 7.
• Presenting to Grade 4-6 parents on relevant topics related to students' social, emotional, and developmental milestones. 
• Participating in student support team meetings, interdisciplinary case consultations, family conferences, and relevant school-wide committees.
• Participating in faculty meetings, liturgies, chapels, retreats, school assemblies, and special events, including Back-to-School Night and admissions showcases.
• Utilizing school data and program feedback to evaluate the impact of the counseling program and drive continuous improvement.
• Participating in reflective, self-directed, ongoing professional development. 
• Performing other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• A Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field is required
• Strong grounding in child and early adolescent development, including the social, emotional, and cognitive characteristics of students in Grades 4–6.
• At least three to five years of experience in counseling or a related field is preferred
• Intercultural competency and a commitment to supporting social justice, inclusion, and diversity as articulated in the Sacred Heart Goals & Criteria.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth
• Enthusiasm for counseling students of all abilities
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated success with effective use of technology

Interested candidates should submit an employment application through Employment Opportunities - Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. 

About Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

Since 1800, when St. Madeleine Sophie Barat founded the Society of the Sacred Heart in France, Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart and lay Sacred Heart educators have carried out her imperative of educational excellence. Today, the Network of Sacred Heart schools is an association of 25 Catholic schools across the United States and Canada and nearly 150 schools internationally. Independent yet united in spirit and purpose, the international community of Schools of the Sacred Heart believes in educating the whole child and preparing her to live fully and wisely. At the core of the Sacred Heart education, the Goals and Criteria are the principles that express the intentions and hopes of our 200-year tradition.

Connections working at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart