Upper School Counselor

Employment type: Full-time, 1 year contract renewal cycle. Start date: 1 September 2026.

About the School

York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to creating a nurturing environment that challenges and supports each student in a diverse and inclusive setting. Compassionate and accessible educators guide our students through a traditional and rigorous curriculum, while employing a range of innovative techniques to cultivate each individual student’s skills, abilities, and interests. York strives to educate the whole child, meeting each student where they are, and supporting them as they grow into lifelong learners and responsible citizens.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries—Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, but our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

About the Role

York Preparatory School is seeking a compassionate and student-centered Upper School Counselor to support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students beginning in Fall 2026. Working closely with students, families, faculty, and external providers, the successful candidate will:

• Provide individual and small-group counseling
• Develop and facilitate wellbeing initiatives
• Offer guidance and resources to support student success
• Lead parent education opportunities
• Create wellbeing-focused communications
• Collaborate with external specialists to ensure continuity of care
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment

As a key member of the student support network, the Upper School Counselor will play an important role in promoting student wellbeing while maintaining a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection.

Responsibilities

• Support the social, emotional, and mental well-being of Upper School students
• Provide individual and small-group counseling sessions
• Develop and implement wellbeing initiatives and programs
• Collaborate with faculty, families, and external providers
• Lead parent education workshops and create wellbeing communications
• Ensure continuity of care by working with external specialists
• Uphold safeguarding and child protection standards

Requirements

• New York State licensure in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling (LMHC), or a related field
• Experience providing individual and group counseling to high school students
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Flexible, proactive, and collaborative approach
• Commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and student-centered environment

Pay

Salary: Up to $94,000 per annum (dependent on experience).