Guidance Counselor

Guidance Counselor Gesher Jewish Day School Fairfax, VA Job Details Full-time $65,000 - $72,000 a year 4 days ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Professional development assistance Life insurance Qualifications School experience Behavioral observation Written communication Teamwork Student emotional support Family collaboration in education Faculty collaboration School-based behavioral health Master's degree Working with students Counseling Psychology Positive school culture development Adolescents Working with families Social Work Full Job Description Company Overview Gesher Jewish Day School is hiring for the 2026-2027 school year and seeking a guidance counselor to join our team! We are a warm, PK-8 Jewish community school dedicated to nurturing a growth mindset and cultivating joy. A caring classroom environment, high standards, and hands-on learning experiences are hallmarks of Gesher JDS. We are located on a large wooded campus with a garden, hiking trails, a vernal pond, and a meadow. The Counseling Program at Gesher Jewish Day School is closely connected to the school's educational philosophy and is based on a responsive classroom model. We strive to foster a warm, supportive, and nurturing social-emotional environment in which each student's character, resilience, and sense of self can grow, flourish, and thrive. Salary range is commensurate with education, licensure, and level of experience. Full-time 10-month position with limited summer preparation work Student Support & Counseling Provide social-emotional support to students in one-on-one and small group settings Meet individually with students for clinical assessment and provide short-term support Conduct classroom observations to support assessment and intervention planning Foster positive peer relationships and healthy social interactions among students Welcome and support new students and families as they integrate into the school community Work closely with the Head of School and Principal in situations involving abuse, self-harm, suicide concerns, or other student safety matters Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical standards Social-Emotional Learning & Prevention Develop, lead, and implement social-emotional, health, and wellness curriculum Deliver age-appropriate classroom lessons focused on social-emotional learning and wellness Promote resilience, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making skills Support teachers, parents, and caregivers in fostering students' social-emotional growth Collaboration, Case Management & Student Support Team Serve as an active member of the school's Student Support Team, partnering with administrators, learning specialists, teachers, related service providers, families, and outside professionals to support student success Participate in regular Student Support Team meetings to review student needs, monitor interventions, develop action plans, and coordinate support strategies Serve as a case manager for students requiring coordinated academic, social-emotional, or behavioral support, including ongoing communication with families, faculty, administration, and outside providers Develop student Learning Profiles for students in need using evaluations, teacher feedback, observations, and related student support documentation to inform support strategies Meet regularly with learning specialists and faculty to review student progress and determine appropriate interventions and supports Provide referrals and assist families in accessing therapeutic and community-based services Partner with teachers and administrators to develop strategies that support students both academically and socially Help ensure continuity of support services and clear communication among all stakeholders involved in a student's care and progress Faculty & Community Support Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on supporting students' social-emotional needs Participate in student support meetings and multidisciplinary collaboration Help strengthen a positive, caring, and responsive school culture

Qualifications:

Required Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field. Experience working with children and adolescents in a school or youth-serving setting. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families. Strong communication, organizational, and student support skills. Preferred Virginia Pupil Personnel Services License with School Counselor PreK-12 Endorsement. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or eligibility for licensure. Experience in an independent school setting. Experience supporting social-emotional learning, student wellness, and behavioral interventions. Experience working with elementary and middle school students. Gesher Jewish Day School is committed to equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.

Pay:

$65,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you hold a master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field? Do you hold a Virginia School Counselor endorsement or equivalent state certification?

Education:

Master's (Required)

Work Location:

In person