School Counselor / SEL Support Specialist

Reports To: Head of School

Employment Status: Part-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, 5 days per Month

Compensation: $45.00–$65.00 per hour, DOE

Typical Schedule: Flexible monthly schedule coordinated with school needs. Occasional additional hours may be required for student support, meetings, or school-wide needs.

Benefits: This is a part-time position and is not benefit-eligible.

About Silverwood

At Silverwood, we believe that smaller is more meaningful. As a school intentionally designed to remain small, we know every child by name, partner closely with families, and cultivate a learning environment where curiosity, connection, and community thrive. Surrounded by 17 wooded acres in the heart of Central Kitsap, our close-knit community is built on authentic relationships, experiential learning, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves to be known, challenged, and celebrated.

Position Summary

The School Counselor / SEL Support Specialist provides targeted social-emotional learning support, conflict resolution facilitation, and direct student services that strengthen the overall student experience at Silverwood School.

This role supports students through individual and small-group check-ins, SEL instruction, and restorative conflict resolution processes when additional adult support is needed beyond the classroom. The counselor helps students build skills in communication, emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving in a developmentally appropriate and relationally grounded way.

This position is designed to complement classroom teaching by providing additional capacity for student support, particularly in situations where teachers do not have time to facilitate restorative conversations or extended SEL work.

The School Counselor works in close collaboration with the Head of School, faculty, and families to ensure a consistent, supportive, and aligned approach to student well-being and school culture.

Key ResponsibilitiesStudent Social-Emotional Support

• Provide individual and small-group SEL support for students as scheduled
• Support students in developing skills in emotional regulation, communication, empathy, and problem-solving
• Conduct brief check-ins and supportive conversations to help students navigate school experiences
• Reinforce positive coping strategies and healthy peer relationships

Conflict Resolution & Restorative Support

• Support students in resolving interpersonal conflicts using restorative practices and developmentally appropriate approaches
• Facilitate guided conversations between students when requested by teachers or administration
• Provide calm, neutral support during student de-escalation and re-entry to learning environments
• Assist in resolving conflicts that require additional time or support beyond classroom capacity
• Partner with staff to ensure consistent and respectful conflict resolution practices across the school

SEL Instruction & Skill Development

• Provide direct SEL instruction in individual, small group, or classroom settings as scheduled
• Support the development of school-wide SEL practices, language, and routines
• Collaborate with teachers to reinforce SEL strategies within the classroom environment
• Support proactive skill-building in areas such as friendship, emotional awareness, and problem-solving

Collaboration & Family Partnership

• Work in collaboration with the Head of School and faculty to support student social-emotional needs
• Communicate with families, in partnership with school leadership, when additional support is needed
• Participate in student support conversations as appropriate while maintaining confidentiality
• Support alignment between home and school strategies when concerns arise

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional ethical boundaries at all times
• Maintain accurate and appropriate documentation of student support interactions
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and a trauma-informed approach to student support
• Collaborate effectively with staff and school leadership in a team-based environment
• Follow all school policies and professional counseling standards

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Current certification and/or licensure in counseling or a related mental health field (e.g., LMHC, LICSW, School Counselor credential, or equivalent)
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children in a counseling, SEL, or student support role
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with children and adults
• Experience supporting conflict resolution or social-emotional learning
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Commitment to working within a school-based environment
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background check in accordance with Washington State requirements for school employees, including criminal history and reference checks.

Preferred

• Experience working in independent or small school environments
• Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or SEL frameworks
• Experience facilitating small group counseling or classroom SEL instruction
• Familiarity with experiential or multi-age learning settings

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong ability to build trusting relationships with children
• Calm, steady presence in emotionally charged situations
• Skill in facilitating restorative conversations and conflict resolution
• Ability to collaborate effectively with educators and leadership
• Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families
• Professional judgment, discretion, and ethical integrity
• Commitment to student-centered, strengths-based support
• Flexibility in a dynamic school environment

Additional Expectation

• This position requires no conflicts of interest with Silverwood students, families, or staff, ensuring clear ethical boundaries and professional integrity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to move between indoor and outdoor school environments
• Ability to engage in active student support as needed
• Ability to work in both structured and informal school settings

Silverwood School Commitment

Silverwood School is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative community where every child and family feels known, valued, and supported. We seek team members who embrace our mission, value authentic relationships, and contribute positively to our vibrant school culture.

Silverwood School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Pay: $45.00 - $65.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45 - $65