Middle School Counselor

Rye Country Day School is seeking a Middle School Counselor beginning August 2024. Rye Country Day School is a coeducational, Prek-12, college preparatory school located in Westchester County, New York dedicated to providing students with an excellent education using both traditional and innovative approaches. We are actively committed to creating and sustaining a school community that is nurturing, supportive, diverse, and inclusive, one in which all students can participate fully and achieve their maximum potential through academic, athletic, creative, and social endeavors. We expect and promote moral responsibility and strive to develop strength of character within a respectful school community.

The Middle School Counselor is responsible for supporting the health and well-being of students in the Middle School and reports to the Middle School Principal and the Director of Counseling Support Services. In addition to providing direct support to children and families, the Middle School Counselor provides consultation support to teachers and leads the Middle School Social-Emotional Learning (Seek) program. 

Responsibilities of the position include:

• Counseling Middle School students using individual and group modalities on an as-needed, short-term basis
• Teaching Seek (Social-Emotional Learning) classes to all students in Grades 5-8 and participating in curriculum development for health lessons and advisories
• Providing age-appropriate crisis intervention for individual students
• Assisting administration and other divisions in school-wide crisis planning and intervention
• Making appropriate referrals outside of school for ongoing care and support
• Maintaining a diverse list of outside referrals that meets the needs of the students with regard to race, gender, socioeconomic needs, geographic location, and insurance 
• Consulting and liaising with outside therapists and evaluators using school documentation
• Providing opportunities to discuss child development issues with parents and guardians; holding individual and group parent meetings as needed
• Serving as a resource for teachers and administrators about the emotional development of children
• Designing and leading professional development related to student mental health and well-being for faculty 
• Working in conjunction with learning specialists to develop a plan to support students
• Leading or supporting the Child Study Team meetings including reading and interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and making intervention and accommodation recommendations
• Assisting with the transition of new students, including meeting with all new Middle School students and working in consultation with the Lower and Upper School transition teams for Grade 4 and Grade 8 students
• Maintaining appropriate records of intervention work 
• Maintaining confidentiality as required by school policy and law
• Participating as a full member of the Middle School faculty, including attending faculty and grade-level team meetings
• Actively seeking professional learning and education opportunities
• Supporting the mission of the School and performing other related duties as assigned 

Desired qualifications:

• Advanced degree in counseling, psychology, school psychology, social work, or related human services field required; 3-5 years of previous counseling experience in a school preferred
• Appropriate New York State licenses and/or certifications
• Deep and broad knowledge of counseling and health and wellness education across the Middle School developmental stages
• A well-developed sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members allowing for the ability to connect with the many constituencies of the RCDS community and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Proven ability to connect joyfully with students and faculty
• Experience in leading parent workshops and providing guidance to parents and guardians
• Strong organizational, management, and communication skills 
• Commitment to lifelong learning and professional and personal integrity

RCDS seeks faculty and staff who support our mission to foster a lifelong passion for learning, understanding, and service in an ever-changing world, and who share our commitment to creating and sustaining a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive multicultural learning community. The school is committed to providing invigorating and supportive work experiences for its diverse community of employees. Faculty and staff are offered meaningful opportunities for professional development, growth, and leadership; highly competitive salaries; and extensive benefits. RCDS is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout the community and curriculum. Please visit our website-http://www.ryecountryday.org – to learn more about the school’s rigorous curriculum, values, and strategic initiatives.

Rye Country Day School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, which prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter via the following link: https://rcds.workable.com/.

Salary range: $80,000-$120,000