Psychologist-Middle/Upper

About the School

Ethical Culture Fieldston School is a progressive PreK-12 independent school that has been serving students from throughout New York City and the surrounding suburbs since 1878. ECFS offers a rich curriculum in the arts, sciences, and humanities. A co-ed, nonsectarian school, it serves an inclusive community of about 1,700 students on two campuses—one in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and the other in Manhattan. The Fieldston Middle and Upper campus located in Riverdale has approximately 400 students in 6-8th grades and 600 students in 9-12th grade.

The Ethical Culture Fieldston School has a long history of inclusion and belonging deeply rooted in our mission and the educational philosophy of our founder, Felix Adler. We embrace all aspects of an individual, including their ancestry, family, identity, culture, and beliefs. We affirm both our differences and commonalities and strive to balance individuality and community. In keeping with our progressive tradition, we are dedicated to increasing our students’ cultural literacy to help them understand multiple perspectives and see the world beyond the self. We expect members of our community to engage in open dialogue about living and learning in an inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom. We see this work, with its creative tensions, as a catalyst for individual and collective growth. On a daily basis, we are committed to making this vision of a democratic, pluralistic, and progressive school a reality.

About the Role

The Department of Student Support & Wellness is seeking a dynamic psychologist to join our Upper & Middle School divisions. This position will provide integrated psychological services for students in grades 6 through 12 during the 2026-2027 academic year, beginning September 1, 2026. Reporting to the Executive Director of Student Support & Wellness, this individual has two primary roles: to serve the individual psychological needs of students and to foster the psychological health and well-being of the entire Middle and Upper School communities. Services include individual and small group counseling, community outreach (including roundtable programming, wellness programs, specialized training programs), and consultation services for parents and teachers. The psychologist is available to serve as a trusted resource in crisis moments for students, parents, and the community at large. This is a 1.0 FTE (full-time equivalency) onsite role.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the Upper School and Middle School administrative teams, including principals and assistant principals, and collaborate with other administrators, the student support team, health and wellness educators, faculty, staff, and parents in support of student well-being.
• Provide consultation to faculty and staff on student psychosocial issues and adolescent development; offer short-term counseling, guidance, and treatment referrals; and collaborate on social-emotional and student wellness programs across grade levels.
• Partner with school leaders, faculty, families, and other stakeholders to assess student needs, develop and implement support plans, address academic and wellness concerns, and coordinate grade-level and school-wide interventions.
• Serve as a first responder to individuals and the community at large in times of crisis.
• Participate in neuropsychological evaluation meetings and help provide appropriate recommendations.
• Maintain timely, relevant, and accurate notes and documentation.
• Enrich and evolve the counseling program to meet ever-changing student needs.
• Provide education and outreach to parents at each grade level (6-12) on adolescent development and emotional issues impacting their children.
• In collaboration with members of the student support teams, create and implement programs to educate students about key socio-emotional issues, including stress management, identity formation, healthy relationships, and general physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
• Support the Mental Health Club advisors and student leaders as they plan and implement relevant events, including assemblies and special programs.
• Help support and/or implement grade-wide events, including the Senior Transition Program, College Symposium Day, Grade Orientations, and assemblies.
• Consult with Grade Deans about peer mentor programs.
• Teach ethics and/or health classes as needed, particularly as they relate to mental health topics.
• Lead faculty discussions connected to the general physical, emotional, and mental wellness of high school students.
• Maintain and update protocols for faculty on responding to students in crisis.
• Lead discussions for advisors around the role of the advisor and how to support students.
• Collaborate with psychologists/counselors connected to the 8th to 9th Grade transition.
• Ensure confidentiality of student information as necessary.
• Attend all departmental, divisional, and school-wide meetings.
• Maintain compliance with all school policies, state regulations, and educational standards.
• Perform other related projects and duties as needed and assigned.

Requirements

• Ed.D, Ph.D, or Psy.D in clinical or school psychology, or Certification in School Counseling (preferred).
• New York State license and/or certification.
• Previous experience as a clinical supervisor (preferred).
• Previous experience working with adolescents and families.
• Strong knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to school-based counseling practices.
• Demonstrated skills and competence in providing mental health services to individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Consistent documentation and clinical record-keeping.
• Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with faculty, administrators, students, parents, and the overall community.
• Commitment to cultural competency and to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students of all backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Positive attitude and the ability to listen effectively and be receptive to feedback.
• Ability to manage time effectively, stay organized, and prioritize required tasks.
• Commitment to engaging in ongoing professional development and proficiency in utilizing and learning new technologies (e.g., Google Workspace tools).
• Reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.
• Ability to cultivate a welcoming culture in which all members of our community feel valued and appreciated.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $75,261–184,830.