Elementary School Counselor

Position Type:
Student Support Services/School Counselor

Date Posted:
7/22/2026

Location:
Sussex Montessori Public Charter School

Date Available:
8/23/2026

Closing Date:
07/28/2021

District:
Sussex Montessori Public Charter School
School Counselor

Summary of Position

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.

How to Apply:

You must submit the following documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered:

1. A resume that clearly indicates that you possess the required qualifications, and that indicates which preferred qualifications and additional relevant qualifications you would bring to this position.
2. A one-page cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for this position
3. Contact information for three professional references

Interested applicants should complete an application on or send required documentation to: View email address on click.appcast.io

Notes

• This is a full-time, 10-month position.
• A criminal background check is required.
• This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
• The selected candidate should expect to perform any other related activities needed to deliver the position's key duties and responsibilities and follow any other instructions as defined by his/her supervisor.
• Tuberculin Test within the last 5-years.

About Sussex Montessori School

Sussex Montessori School was approved as a charter school by the Delaware Department of Education in April 2018 and is currently serving grades K through 4. One grade per year will be added to eventually serve children in grades K through 6. The Sussex Montessori School Board believes that the creation of a Montessori public school in Sussex County, DE will improve student learning, allow for greater choice for parents, and serve as a model for alternative approaches to education by providing a proven and innovative teaching and learning environment.

The mission of Sussex Montessori School is to nurture the development of empathetic, collaborative, persistent and innovative global and community citizens in accordance with the time-tested philosophy of Maria Montessori, through authentic personalized learning experiences, respectful relationships, opportunities to innovate, and a focus on global citizenship.

The school is located in Seaford, Delaware, which is a diverse rural area with a thriving Hispanic population as well as growing Haitian community.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Sussex Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer, which encourages applications from minority group members, women, individuals with disabilities and veterans.