Director of Counseling

The Madeira School is an independent boarding and day school that educates girls in grades 9-12. The scenic 376-acre campus is just 10 miles from Washington, DC. Madeira enrolls approximately 335 students from 21 states and 38 countries. Founded in 1906, the school’s vision of leading innovation in girls’ education and its mission of launching women who change the world has resonated for generations.

The Madeira School seeks an experienced Director of Counseling to join the student support team. Under the direction of and in collaboration with the Dean of Student Life & Culture, the counselor provides support and guidance to the Madeira community.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of the counseling program including training of faculty and staff, developing and updating policies and procedures and various administrative tasks
• Evaluate and assess students for mental health concerns and the need for support
• Provide short-term individual counseling as well as process-oriented and topic-driven group counseling; crisis intervention, including suicide assessment
• Provide case management for students as appropriate
• Communicate with families when appropriate; maintain communication with outside professionals with appropriate informed consent
• Make referrals for outside therapy, psychiatric evaluation, or other mental health-related assessment and treatment
• Participate in departmental meetings as well as other meetings and committee work
• Maintain appropriate, timely, and accurate documentation of services
• Teach classes in the Student Life; teach/facilitate Health and Wellness workshops; collaborate on the development of community life curriculum and residential life programming
• Consult with colleagues regarding specific student and community concerns
• Participate in activities and events that promote student morale and community life
• Participate in committee and team assignments as assigned. Such assignments may include Crisis Team, Health and Retention Committee among others

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in counseling or related field and active license in Virginia in counseling or related field required
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mental health counseling, preferably some school experience
• Experience working with adolescent girls and families
• Experience in teaching health, wellness, and life skills topics to high school students
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, mental health disorders, and learning disabilities; ability to be understanding, caring, and sympathetic to the needs of adolescent girls and their families
• Understanding of a wide variety of counseling techniques and strategies and ability to tailor treatment modalities to individual student needs
• Experience with facilitating trainings for faculty and parents
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical, and organizational skills; ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty and parents
• Willingness and ability to work flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Appreciation of and commitment to boarding and single gender education
• Strong cross-cultural competencies and a commitment to inclusive and equitable practices
• Understanding the unique needs of a school setting in maintaining confidentiality while also maintaining school safety
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, administrators, faculty, and outside professionals

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

License/Certification:

• Virginia license in counseling or related field (Required)

Work Location: In person