Student Mental Health Counselor

Positio n Summary The K–12 School Counselor is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive school counseling program that supports the social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The counselor works collaboratively with students, families, faculty, learning specialists, and administrators to identify and address barriers to student success and to promote healthy development, well-being, and resilience.

The counselor integrates current mental health best practices with an understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and child development, helping to ensure that student support services align with the educational philosophy and developmental approach of the school.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Student Counseling and Support Planning Identify social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs that may impact student success.

Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to students as appropriate.

Conduct assessments and interventions related to student well-being within the scope of the counselor's professional role.

Provide crisis intervention and support in situations involving student safety, mental health concerns, or significant emotional distress.

Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling services, student support plans, and interventions.

Act as a liaison with community agencies/providers to ensure continuity of services.

Family Support and Community Resources Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student social-emotional development and support needs.

Provide guidance to families regarding available school-based and community-based resources.

Maintain a current professional referral network and community resource list.

Support families in obtaining documentation and professional recommendations needed to inform student support planning.

Social-Emotional Learning and Prevention Programs Develop and facilitate classroom and group-based social-emotional learning experiences that support healthy social development and positive classroom culture.

Facilitate programs related to conflict resolution, bullying prevention, emotional wellness, digital citizenship, and healthy relationships.

Provide input regarding topics including media and technology use, safeguarding, equity and access, substance abuse prevention, and age-appropriate health and sexuality education.

Provide consultation and recommendations related to classroom dynamics, student development, and mental health best practices.

School Leadership and Program Development Develop and maintain a working understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and child development as they relate to counseling practices and student support services.

Collaborate with school leadership and committees to develop curriculum, programs, and policies that support student well-being and healthy development.

Qualifications Required Master's degree in School Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, child and adolescent development, and mental health best practices.

Preferred Knowledge of Waldorf education and Waldorf child development.

Training in restorative practices, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, or social-emotional learning programs.

Experience working with students across multiple developmental stages, including elementary, middle, and high school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Understanding of child and adolescent development.

Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.

Ability to develop and facilitate educational and preventative programming.

Commitment to supporting the healthy development of the whole child.

Physical Requirements Ability to move throughout a multi-building campus.

Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

The K–12 School Counselor works in a collaborative educational environment serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The position requires regular interaction with students, parents, faculty, administrators, and outside service providers and may involve occasional evening or weekend commitments related to school events, parent education, or committee work.

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