School Guidance Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Politz Day School of Cherry Hill, NJ

School Guidance Counselor

Position Summary

The School Guidance Counselor plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of students in grades K–8. Reporting directly to the School Director, the counselor collaborates with students, parents, faculty, administration, and external professionals to deliver a proactive, ethical, and results-driven counseling program. This role fosters a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment through direct student engagement, faculty partnership, behavior oversight, and strong communication practices.

Core Responsibilities

Student Support

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with students to promote emotional well-being and academic growth.

• Deliver classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons, including "Our Path" curriculum for middle school girls.

• Facilitate short-term individual and group counseling addressing social, emotional, behavioral, or academic concerns.

• Conduct daily check-ins with students as needed, monitoring progress over time.

• Empower students in skills such as coping, communication, anxiety management, and self-awareness.

• Meet all newly enrolled students in grades 1–8 within the first six weeks of school, with up to three follow-up sessions during their adjustment.

Behavioral Intervention

• Identify and support students experiencing behavioral or emotional challenges.

• Be physically present during recess 2–3 times per week to observe interactions, monitor social dynamics, and identify those in need of support. Provide written observations and collaborate with staff accordingly.

• Observe students in classroom settings to assess engagement, behavior, and needs; document findings and make referrals when necessary.

• Design, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans in collaboration with faculty and administration.

• Lead or participate in restorative practices and collaborate on NJTSS (New Jersey Tiered System of Supports) interventions with the General Studies Principal.

• Follow up with students involved in behavioral incidents, facilitating reintegration and Reflection.

Faculty & Family Collaboration

• Partner with teachers to integrate SEL strategies—such as the Tiki program—into classroom instruction when re.

• Actively contribute to monthly SEL team meetings and middle school division meetings.

• Attend weekly administrative meetings and keep the Head of School informed of significant student-related developments.

• Communicate proactively with parents of supported students; collaborate on consistent home–school support plans.

• Refer families to qualified external mental health professionals when appropriate and coordinate referrals (with consent).

Program Leadership & Supervision

• Facilitate lunch bunches twice weekly for students in grades K–4, focusing on social skills, emotional well-being, and group dynamics.

• Supervise the lunchroom twice weekly to ensure student welfare and engagement in unstructured settings.

• Support school-wide events (e.g., Color War, assemblies) by attending and assisting students with emotional needs.

• Lead or support school-wide wellness, behavior prevention, and culture-building initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records of student interactions, interventions, and progress using Parent Locker or Google Docs.

• Monitor patterns in student attendance and tardiness; conduct follow-ups with families as necessary.

• Report suspected instances of neglect or abuse in full compliance with state law and school policy.

• Ensure all counseling practices adhere to recognized professional/ethical standards and align with school policies.

Additional Duties

• Attend school staff meetings, in-service days, and parent–teacher conferences as required.

• Assist with crisis intervention planning and provide trauma-informed support when needed.

• Engage in special projects and responsibilities as requested by the School Director.

Position Requirements

• This is a full time position. 

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.

• New Jersey School Counselor certification or eligibility preferred.

• Experience working with children in a school setting.