School Counselor

Job Title:

School Counselor Department:

Academics Position reports to: the Chief Academic Officer FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-Exempt):

Exempt Full-time/Part-time:

Full-time, 10-months; M-F 7:15 AM - 3:45 PM; flex days to work in the dormitories after school; additional weekend hours may be needed on academy event weekends to support the academic office, i.e. Spring and Fall Families Weekend, Commencement and Reunion Weekend.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Counseling & Support Provide personalized academic, social-emotional, and developmental counseling for students in grades 7-12. Collaborate with faculty, residential life staff, and families to support student growth, adjustment, and mental health. Maintain professional and ethical standards of confidentiality and practice. Advisory Program Leadership Design, lead, and evaluate a comprehensive Advisory Program aligned with the school's mission. Develop SEL-informed advisory curriculum and provide curriculum and training to faculty advisors. Support a culture of connectedness, accountability, and belonging through structured advisory time. Students of Concern Group Facilitation Lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary team to address the academic, behavioral, and emotional needs of students identified as at risk. Organize regular case review meetings, ensure proper documentation, and follow up on support strategies. Act as a liaison among faculty, administration, residential staff, and families regarding student interventions. Academic Scheduling & Course Selection (Grades 7-9) Support academic advising, course selection, and scheduling for students in grades 7-8. Create a high school readiness program for rising 9th grade students at the end of the academic year. Communicate regularly with students and families to ensure informed course decisions and long-term planning. Partner with the Registrar and Academic Dean to construct accurate and appropriate student schedules. Community Engagement & Support Create preventative programming for students of all grade levels related to age appropriate challenges Be an active presence on campus, supporting the boarding life environment and co-curricular programming. Participate in school events, parent meetings, and admissions activities. Support students transitioning into or out of the school community.

Qualifications:

Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a related field. Valid certification/licensure in school counseling or eligibility to obtain one. Experience teaching or facilitating SEL-based programs, preferably in a middle school setting. Strong background in adolescent development, academic guidance, and student support systems. Minimum of 3 years of experience in school counseling, preferably in an independent or boarding school. Excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills. Cultural competence and the ability to connect with a diverse international student body.

Position Summary:

St. John's Northwestern Academy is a private, internationally diverse, college-preparatory boarding and day school serving students in grades 7 through 12. The School Counselor plays a central role in fostering student well being, academic success, and personal development. This position requires a proactive, compassionate, and organized professional who will provide counseling services while also leading essential academic and student support programs.

Key responsibilities include:

personalized student support, leadership of the academy advisory program, ongoing development of preventative programming and specialized student group meetings, engagement in residence life evening programming, coordination of the Students of Concern team, MS academic scheduling, and partnership in the Middle School Leadership Program with a strong emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).