School and College Counselor

Bishop Fenwick High School is looking for a full-time, talented, passionate, innovative, and inspiring School and College Counselor. Bishop Fenwick is a Catholic, academically rigorous, and personally supportive co-educational college preparatory school located in Peabody, MA. Dedicated to creating an environment where all students can seek and achieve excellence intellectually, creatively, physically, morally, and spiritually, Bishop Fenwick honors the whole person. Operating independently within the Archdiocese of Boston, Bishop Fenwick is a close-knit, student-centered, and character driven community that forms life-long relationships and graduates committed servant-leaders. Overview The School and College Counselor reports to the Director of School and College Counseling and the Principal. The Counselor works collaboratively with fellow counselors, administrators, faculty, and staff in supporting the academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary success of students. The Counselor works primarily with an assigned caseload of students in grades 9–12 and serves as a trusted advisor to students and families throughout the high school experience. Philosophy The School and College Counselor will advance Fenwick’s mission by supporting each student on his/her journey to become his/her very best self. Fenwick is committed to ensuring the social, emotional, and relational health and wellbeing of each student and to finding the very best college for each graduate. The Counselor will work closely with students and families to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of high school, while helping students discover and pursue post-secondary pathways that align with their strengths, interests, values, and aspirations. Responsibilities The ideal candidate will work effectively, naturally, and intentionally with high school students, their families, college representatives, health professionals, teachers, and administrators. The principal responsibilities of the School and College Counselor include:

• Student Support: serve as the primary counselor and advocate for an assigned caseload of students and families in grades 9–12; build strong, supportive relationships with students and foster a culture of acceptance, belonging, and affirmation; support the onboarding and advising of new students as they transition into the Fenwick community; monitor and support students’ social, emotional, relational, and academic wellbeing throughout their high school careers; collaborate with the Dean of Student Life, Dean of Academics, Director of Health Services, and Director of Academic Support to ensure students receive appropriate support and intervention; meet regularly with students and families to discuss academic progress, personal growth, and future planning; provide guidance and support during times of challenge and make referrals to outside professionals and resources when appropriate; maintain communication with families and, when necessary, external providers to support student success.
• College Counseling and Postsecondary Planning: guide students and families through all phases of the college search, application, and decision-making process; help students identify colleges, universities, gap-year opportunities, and other postsecondary pathways that align with their interests, strengths, and goals; assist students in developing balanced and thoughtful college lists and application strategies; advise students and families regarding standardized testing, college visits, application timelines, essays, interviews, and financial aid resources; write thoughtful and compelling letters of recommendation for assigned students; maintain strong relationships with college admission representatives and stay informed about trends in higher education and college admissions; participate in college representative visits, information programs, and other college counseling events; teach a college and career seminar for junior advisees once per seven-day cycle during the spring semester, covering topics such as self-assessment, career exploration, college research, application preparation, and postsecondary planning.
• Academic Advising, Course Selection, and Scheduling: advise students and families regarding course selection and academic planning throughout high school; work closely with students, parents, teachers, department chairs, and administrators to develop appropriate and individualized academic programs; help students understand graduation requirements, academic expectations, and opportunities for enrichment and challenge; assist with annual course selection and schedule adjustments for assigned students.
• Documentation and Communication: maintain accurate and timely records of student meetings, advising conversations, and college counseling activities; review transcripts and academic records to ensure students are well-positioned to achieve their goals; prepare and submit required college application materials, including school forms, recommendations, and supporting documentation; utilize counseling and college planning platforms to track student progress and communicate effectively with students and families; collaborate with the School and College Counseling team to ensure consistency and excellence in student support and college advising practices.

As a visible member of the school community, the successful candidate will:

• Possess strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and a genuine commitment to supporting adolescents and their families.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the college admission process and a broad range of colleges, universities, and postsecondary opportunities.
• Work collaboratively and collegially with administrators, faculty, staff, and families in supporting and advocating for students.
• Be a positive, enthusiastic team player who enjoys working with young people and contributes to the building up of the Fenwick community.
• Have the energy, expertise, patience, perspective, confidence, and sense of humor necessary to work effectively with high school students and their families.
• Engage actively in the Fenwick community by attending student performances, athletic events, and social activities.
• Approach counseling with empathy, professionalism, sound judgment, and a student-centered mindset.

Candidates who meet these criteria should send a cover letter, statement of counseling philosophy, résumé, and three current references to employment@fenwick.org with “School and College Counselor” in the subject line of the email. Fenwick's website: fenwick.org Bishop Fenwick High School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to their age, color, disability status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or any other class protected by state or federal law. As a Catholic school, Fenwick reserves the right to use religion as a hiring criterion for selected positions, as permitted by law. Employment offers are contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a standard background screening.

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000