Description

Greenhills School is seeking a talented, collaborative, student-centered school mental health counselor. Reporting to the director of counseling, the middle school counselor will work with students, teachers, and families to support students’ healthy development. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about puberty and the social and emotional development of all of our adolescents, with a primary focus on the 300 students in grades 6-8. The ideal candidate will also have an interest in teaching and/or advising students, and working with faculty and families. We offer an outstanding working environment, excellent benefits, and a joyful, diverse school community.

Greenhills School is eager to consider applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities. We seek a diverse mix of talented people who want to join us as student centered educators and role models. We bring joy and good humor to our classrooms, fields, and offices. We work collaboratively as colleagues. We seek and respond to student feedback, and commit to reflective practice and continual growth. We pride ourselves on being a warm, welcoming, and inclusive community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

? Work directly with approximately 300 middle school students (grades 6-8, ages 11-14) to provide effective coping strategies for a broad range of emotional, social, and achievement related concerns, and mental health interventions.

? Promote the work of the grade level team leaders and the Learning Center by creating and contributing to programming for students, faculty, and parents/guardians. 

? Respond to any mental health crisis needs; be available at times during off-school hours for emergencies as determined by the Director of Counseling and Head of Middle School.

? Work with the Director of Counseling and Head of Middle School to develop and implement mental health and mindfulness related curricula, community programs, faculty training.

? Under the guidance of the Director of Counseling, participate in clinical case management of students and act as liaison to outside professionals, partnering closely with the Director of the Learning Center to coordinate support for students with learning plans.

? Foster communication and a respectful partnership with parents/guardians in conferences, during phone calls, and through written correspondence.

? Work with individual or small groups of students needing assistance in improving social and coping skills.

? Engage in continuing professional growth and development, including staying abreast of mental health counseling and developmental best practices for early adolescents.

? Participate in the life of the School through attending meetings and be a regular presence at major events such as concerts, plays, athletic contests, and other events.

? Additional responsibilities may include but are not limited to implementing and teaching wellness programming, advising student groups, and collaborating with other departments to increase wellness education throughout the school community.

? Create an atmosphere of compassion, confidentiality and collaboration with all members of the school community.

? Work collaboratively with the student support team on issues related to the mental and behavioral health of the school community.

? Complete required documentation and ensure consistent record keeping.

? Create an environment that ensures equitable and respectful care and support for students with diverse beliefs, practices, and backgrounds.

? Serve as a role model in maintaining appropriate standards of care for students.

? Maintain healthy boundaries in student and professional relationships.

? Perform other duties as assigned.

? Hours are generally consistent with the school day, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., with additional presence as needed before and after school for meetings with students, families, and colleagues, and to attend school programming.

Requirements

? A terminal master’s degree in a mental health discipline

? Independently licensed or have the ability to become licensed in Michigan (LCP, LPC, LMSW)

? Experience with and enthusiasm for the developmental tasks of early adolescents and middle school students

? Ability to establish connected and positive relationships with all school constituencies, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to counseling practice

? Knowledge about adolescents’ intellectual, social, and emotional development and willing to positively greet the challenges and opportunities they present

? Discretion and ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters appropriately

? Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion

? Demonstrated familiarity, ease, and openness with integrating social-emotional learning and character education into the classroom

? Possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and analytic skills

? Exhibit a growth mindset, creativity and flexibility, and a sense of humor

? Accept constructive feedback as part of professional growth and development

? Model professionalism and integrity at all times

? Possess the personal traits for nurturing the growth of middle school students

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

? Work is conducted primarily in a classroom and school environment

? May require extended time outside of the school day 

? Greenhills School property is a tobacco-free environment

? Must be legally authorized to work in the US