Director of Counseling

Position Overview: 

The Director of Counseling provides leadership, oversight, and direct support for the counseling department, working collaboratively with faculty, parents, and administration to enhance the emotional, social, and academic success of students with language-based learning disabilities. This role involves designing and implementing school-wide social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives, overseeing individual and group counseling, and supporting staff in creating a nurturing environment. The Director of Counseling ensures a holistic approach to student well-being, focusing on emotional resilience, social awareness, and effective communication. 

Reports to: Head of School 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Leadership & Program Development: 

○ Oversee the counseling department, including school counselors and other mental health professionals (social workers, etc.), to ensure alignment with the school's mission and values. 

○ Develop, implement, and manage school-wide SEL programs tailored to the needs of students with language-based learning disabilities. 

○ Collaborate with administration and teachers to create policies and strategies that support the emotional and social growth of all students. 

○ Act as a liaison between the counseling department and senior leadership to ensure seamless communication and collaboration. 

• Counseling Services: 

○ Collaborate and delegate individual and group counseling services for students to members of the counseling department, addressing social, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

○ Develop and collaborate with the counseling department to personalize intervention plans for students with specific emotional, social, or behavioral challenges. 

○ Facilitate crisis intervention and short-term therapeutic support for students in need. 

• Collaboration & Communication:

○ Serve as a liaison between the school, parents, and external providers to ensure cohesive support for students. 

○ Work closely with teachers and staff to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment, providing training on mental health issues, emotional regulation, and classroom management. 

○ Coordinate with external mental health professionals and therapists to ensure integrated care for students requiring outside services. 

• Student Support: 

○ Guide students in developing emotional regulation, social skills, and effective communication strategies. 

○ Assist students in developing coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and resilience. 

○ Ensure that the counseling department addresses both individual student needs and broader school-wide initiatives. 

• Professional Development: 

○ Provide ongoing training for faculty and staff on topics related to student mental health, SEL, and classroom strategies for supporting students with language-based learning disabilities. 

○ Stay current with developments in educational psychology and learning disabilities, integrating best practices into the school’s counseling program. 

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Counseling, School Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. Ph.D preferred.
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or School Psychologist certification preferred. 
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a school setting, preferably working with students with learning disabilities or similar challenges. 
• Previous leadership skills and experience managing a counseling or mental health department including the direct supervision of counselors.
• Strong understanding of language-based learning disabilities and how they impact social-emotional development. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators in a team-oriented environment. 

Desired Skills: 

• Expertise in developing and implementing SEL programs and initiatives.
• Knowledge of cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness techniques, and crisis intervention. 
• Experience coordinating mental health services within an academic setting, preferably with K-8 students. 
• Familiarity with IEPs and the special education process. 
• Demonstrates proficiency and confidence in conducting risk assessments and effectively delegating next steps to team members. 

Research shows that underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Eagle Hill School believes that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications and we look forward to your application. 

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 

Eagle Hill School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, present or past history of mental disability, intellectual disability, learning disability, physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other classification protected by state or federal law in its employment, admissions practices, vocational opportunities or access to and treatment in programs or activities, in accordance with Title IX, Section 504 if the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII, the American Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and other applicable federal and state law. Retaliation against anyone complaining of discrimination is strictly prohibited. If an applicant requires assistance, or a reasonable accommodation, to complete the application, please contact Eagle Hill School Human Resources at (203) 622-9240.