An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
Buffalo Seminary is an independent day and boarding high school for college-bound girls. Founded in 1851, SEM is located in the historic Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, New York and is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. Our five student residences are renovated historic homes beside our school building. Reporting to the Acting Head of School and in collaboration with the Dean of Students, Faculty Fellow for Student Belonging, and School Nurse, the Community Counselor is responsible for applying their skills in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Partnering with families, faculty, school administrators, and other professionals, the Community Counselor will help to create a supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home, campus and the community.
Primary Responsibilities Include:
? Collaborate with administrators, teachers, parents, and outside professionals to holistically support the needs of individual students through intentional prevention and intervention strategies ? Promote wellness and resilience by reinforcing communication and social skills, problem solving, anger management, self-regulation, self-determination, and optimism. ? Increase achievement by assessing barriers to learning and determining the best instructional strategies to improve learning. ? Work with students and their families if needed to make referrals for additional support. ? Identify and communicate to school officials any at-risk student. ? Assist in the analysis of data to support student outcomes and school community improvement. ? Promote school policies and practices that ensure the safety of all students, including but not limited to bullying and harassment. ? Assist in crisis situations by providing leadership and/or direct services. ? Maintains electronic case notes and other documentation as required by State Law and Health Services policies and procedures. ? Work with the Health and Wellness team to develop and present educational programs for the campus community and serve as a resource for faculty, staff and students. ? Interact with students consistent with a boarding school community.
Competencies and Essential Functions:
? Ability to maintain confidentiality. ? Strong interpersonal skills with all levels of co-workers, students and parents. ? Demonstrate effective analytic, written and oral communication skills. ? Ability to work independently. ? Ability to solve problems by collaborating with others.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least three to five years experience working in a high school setting. A master's degree in psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, or a related field is required. Rate of pay for this position starts at $40 per hour or commensurate with experience of candidate. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Natlie Stothart, Acting Head of School at Nstothart@buffaloseminary.org prior to August 21, 2026.
Buffalo Seminary Competencies and Essential Functions:
? Ability to maintain confidentiality. ? Strong interpersonal skills with all levels of co-workers, students and parents. ? Demonstrate effective analytic, written and oral communication skills. ? Ability to work independently. ? Ability to solve problems by collaborating with others.
Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least three to five years experience working in a high school setting. A master's degree in psychology, school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, or a related field is required. Rate of pay for this position starts at $40 per hour or commensurate with experience of candidate. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Natlie Stothart, Acting Head of School at Nstothart@buffaloseminary.org prior to August 21, 2026. Buffalo Seminary is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
