Elementary School Counselor

School Counselor

The School Counselor serves as the school's primary provider of counseling, social-emotional, and behavioral support services, promoting the academic, social, emotional, and personal success of every student. Reporting directly to the Head of School and Director of Teaching and Learning, the School Counselor develops and implements a comprehensive school counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model while strengthening partnerships among students, families, staff, and the community. The School Counselor plays a critical role in fostering a safe, caring, and inclusive school environment by providing prevention, intervention, and responsive services that remove barriers to learning. The position supports students' mental health and well-being, coordinates community resources, assists vulnerable student populations, and collaborates with educators and families to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Comprehensive School Counseling
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive school counseling program based on the academic, attendance, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students.
• Deliver a school counseling curriculum that promotes self-management, resilience, social skills, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making.
• Provide individual counseling, crisis intervention, and small-group counseling.
• Provide direct counseling services to students and families for at least 80% of work time, consistent with the ASCA National Model.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to student mental health concerns and connect families with appropriate community resources.
• Student Support and Intervention
• Assess students' social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs using appropriate assessment practices.
• Develop intervention plans that support student success and reduce barriers to learning.
• Participate in MTSS, Child Study, Section 504, and IEP teams as appropriate.
• Support students experiencing behavioral, attendance, family, or emotional challenges.
• Advocate for students while promoting their voice and active participation in planning for their own success.
• Family and Community Partnerships
• Consult regularly with parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and outside agencies regarding student needs.
• Strengthen family engagement by helping families access school and community resources.
• Coordinate support for students experiencing homelessness or in foster care in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Assist families in accessing food assistance, counseling, healthcare, housing, and other community services.
• Coordinate school-based support initiatives such as food pantry programs and other family assistance efforts.
• School Climate and Prevention
• Plan and implement school-wide initiatives that promote a safe, healthy, and caring learning environment.
• Coordinate prevention programs such as anti-bullying campaigns, SEL awareness activities, conflict resolution, character education, and wellness initiatives.
• Provide professional development and consultation to staff regarding student mental health, trauma-informed practices, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional learning.
• Collaborate with school leadership to improve school climate and student engagement.
• Collaboration and Program Evaluation
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to support students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth.
• Conduct needs assessments and surveys to identify school-wide priorities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions using data to guide continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and school policies.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Social Work or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Delaware certification in School Counseling (or eligibility to obtain certification).
• Minimum of five years of experience in school counseling, school social work, or a related educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience providing behavioral intervention and social-emotional supports.
• Strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based counseling interventions.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, educational equity, and multicultural competence.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Experience with Responsive Classroom, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), or Montessori education.
• Experience coordinating community partnerships and wraparound services.
• Knowledge of MTSS, Section 504, IDEA, and special education processes.
• Experience supporting homeless and foster youth.