Upper School Counselor
Santa Catalina School is a vibrant, independent, Catholic school offering student-centered co-education to PreK through grade 8 and an all-girls’ boarding and day college preparatory upper school serving grades 9 through 12. The school exists to develop in each student a striving for excellence, a maturing awareness of moral and spiritual values, a sense of responsible purpose, and a determination to serve the world with courage, grace, and compassion.
About the role
The Upper School Counselor is responsible for the effective organization and coordination of the school’s counseling services. Reporting directly to the Head of Upper School and working closely with the Dean of Students and the Director of Resident Life, the counselor provides individual and group counseling, assists and communicates appropriately with advisors and parents, serves on appropriate school committees, and is an active presence on campus.
The school counselor supports the social, emotional, and personal well-being of upper school students and serves as an integral member of the Student Support Team, collaborating with teachers, advisors, administrators, and families to promote student health, wellness, and success.
Each employee is expected to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities wherever necessary to ensure the success of the school.
Responsibilities
- Assist students with issues of educational, emotional, personal, and social development and adjustment
- Work as a member of a cohesive team in support of positive student growth
- Counsel students on a drop-in and/or scheduled basis
- Assess the counseling needs of individual students
- Coordinate, in collaboration with the Upper School Administration, any necessary counseling with off-campus health providers
- Support and communicate with advisors as appropriate
- Work in concert with the Director of Health and Wellness in preparing residential, class-based, and/or faculty presentations
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Two years experience as a school counselor with background in adolescent development
- Master’s Degree in School Counseling
- California State School Counseling Certification or the equivalent
- A commitment to the mission and identity of Santa Catalina School
- A desire to participate fully in the Santa Catalina community
- Successful completion of a LiveScan criminal background check as required by law
- Demonstrated commitment to the American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards for School Counselors
Skills
- Demonstrated evaluative and facilitative skills
- Excellent verbal and written skills
- Approachable and welcoming demeanor
- Cultural competence and enthusiasm for working with a diverse and dynamic community
- Strong interpersonal skills, including good listening, humor, tact, intuition, and confidentiality
- Excellent writing, communication, and public speaking skills
- Ability to create responsive, caring, and appropriate relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills and digital literacy
- Understanding of the dynamics of a school community
- Ability to assess and respond to the needs of the school and act as a representative of the school
- Commitment to professional growth and education
- Ability to function well under stress
Working Conditions
- Ability to sit and meet with students for extended periods of time each day
- Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time each day
- Ability to access buildings and facilities throughout a 36-acre campus, with reasonable accommodations, in order to meet with students and faculty
- Additional time required beyond a normal day or week for evening and weekend meetings to attend school events and represent the school in the community
- Work in a school environment with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and people
Pay
$75,000-100,000 depending on experience