Elementary and Middle School Counselor

Position Summary

The Elementary and Middle School Counselor supports students’ ability to be safe, engaged, and successful in the school environment by addressing social-emotional and behavioral needs that impact learning and well-being through the lens of Christ-centered education. This role emphasizes early identification, short-term support, and coordination of services, and is not intended to provide ongoing or intensive therapeutic counseling. The counselor serves as a key connector between students, families, staff, and external resources.

Employee Responsibilities

• Support the School’s Foundational Statements and mission through word and deed.
• Integrate Biblical principles and Scripture into daily activities.
• Minister to students through prayer, encouragement, and wise counsel.
• Follow safety protocols for where students can be and how to secure the building.
• Be timely in reporting to work and when at work.
• Carry out the procedures and protocols in the employee handbook and respect decisions made by leadership.
• Maintain open communication with leadership regarding questions, concerns, and needs.
• Represent the school professionally in all interactions with parents, community, staff, and students.
• Remain professional in attire and behavior.
• Submit time off requests in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of all matters pertaining to students, employees, and donors as outlined in NPC’s Confidentiality Agreement.

Core Responsibilities

• Student Support, Triage & Referral:
  • Provide brief, solution-focused individual and small-group support to address immediate social-emotional or behavioral concerns impacting school functioning.
  • Identify students experiencing challenges such as anxiety, peer conflict, emotional regulation difficulties, family changes, or trauma.
  • Assess student needs and determine appropriate next steps, including school-based supports or referral to outside services.
  • Develop short-term intervention plans focused on improving students’ ability to function safely and successfully in school.
  • Monitor student progress and adjust supports or referrals as needed.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Prevention:
  • Deliver classroom lessons, small groups, and workshops that build skills such as self-regulation, conflict resolution, resilience, and responsible decision-making.
  • Cool Class lesson writing and administration for Middle School.
  • Support school-wide initiatives that promote student wellness, safety, and a positive school climate.
  • Provide proactive programming to reduce behavioral concerns and increase student readiness to learn.
• Behavioral Support & School Functioning:
  • Collaborate with teachers and staff to address behaviors that interfere with learning or safety.
  • Support implementation of school-wide systems (e.g., Generous Students, Blue Envelope protocol).
  • Aid building principals with conflict resolution, de-escalation, and peer mediation as appropriate.
  • Blue Envelope training administration.
• Crisis Response & Student Safety:
  • Respond to immediate student safety concerns and participate in crisis intervention and risk assessment.
  • Serve as a member of the school’s crisis response team.
  • Follow mandated reporting laws and all safeguarding/child protection policies.
• Consultation & Collaboration:
  • Partner with teachers, administrators, and staff to support student needs within the school setting.
  • Serve as a resource to staff on strategies that promote student well-being and classroom success.
  • Communicate with families regarding concerns that impact student safety and school functioning.
  • Support families in accessing services and navigating next steps.
• Documentation & Professional Responsibilities:
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records of student interactions, interventions, and referrals.
  • Track outcomes related to student safety, engagement, and school functioning.
  • Engage in professional development and contribute to school-wide initiatives.

Qualifications And Skills

• Active Christian in agreement with and willing to sign the NorthPointe Christian School’s Foundational statements.
• Hold a master’s degree in school counseling.
• Meet Michigan certification/licensure standards.
• Fulfill continuing education requirements.
• Able to pass required background checks and fingerprint screening.