Lower School Counselor

St. Mary Academy – Bay View seeks an experienced and compassionate practitioner to serve as the Lower School School Counselor for Pre-K through Grade 5. This full-time role provides direct counseling services, implements division-wide social-emotional programs, and collaborates closely with teachers, parents, and administrators to foster a safe and supportive learning environment. The counselor will support students’ academic, social, and emotional development, helping to ensure each child is known, supported, and able to thrive. Our School St. Mary Academy – Bay View is an all-girls, independent, Mercy Catholic school located in Riverside, Rhode Island, serving a diverse population of girls from Pre-K through Grade 12. A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Education, St. Mary Academy – Bay View fosters academic excellence in an innovative and creative learning environment. For more than 150 years, Bay View has empowered each student to be a confident, independent, compassionate, and socially conscious faith-filled young woman. Key Responsibilities Direct Student Support -Provide short-term individual counseling and check-ins for students; -Facilitate small groups focused on social skills, friendship, emotional regulation, anxiety, executive functioning, etc.; -Support crisis response and student re-entry planning; -Develop and deliver classroom lessons on topics such as social skills, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation; -Assist in developing student support plans and behavioral interventions; and -Conduct observations to better understand behavioral, emotional, or social concerns. Faculty Consultation & Professional Support -Consult with teachers regarding behavioral, emotional, and developmental concerns; -Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate classroom management practices; -Provide professional learning related to SEL, regulation, behavior support, executive functioning, and child development; -Partner with teachers on proactive strategies for classroom climate and student engagement; and -Assist teachers in interpreting behavioral patterns and identifying appropriate supports. MTSS / PBIS / Systems Work -Participate in MTSS, PBIS, or other student support teams; -Help analyze behavioral or SEL-related data trends; -Support implementation of Tier 1 and Tier 2 behavioral interventions; -Assist in developing school-wide expectations and student support systems; and -Collaborate on prevention-oriented programming and student wellness initiatives. Family Partnership -Communicate and collaborate with families regarding student social-emotional and behavioral needs; -Provide parent education resources and workshops; -Help connect families with outside supports and referrals when appropriate; and -Support home-school communication around behavioral or emotional concerns. Coordination & Collaboration -Collaborate with administrators, learning specialists, nurses, psychologists, and outside providers; -Maintain appropriate documentation and confidential student records; -Participate in threat assessment or safety planning processes, if applicable; -Support transitions between grade levels or divisions; -Promote a positive and inclusive school climate; -Participate in meetings, professional development, and school events; and -Other duties as assigned. Qualifications -Master’s degree in School Counseling; -Valid state certification or licensure in School Counseling; -Experience working with children in an educational setting (preferred); -Knowledge of child development and counseling techniques, specifically to lowerschool-aged students; and -Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Skills & Competencies -Empathy and active listening; -Problem-solving and conflict resolution; -Cultural awareness and sensitivity; -Ability to build trust with young students; and -Collaboration and teamwork. Benefits: St. Mary Academy – Bay View offers medical insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, group retirement plan, and tuition remission for daughters and granddaughters, as well as paid vacation, personal, sick, and holiday leave. To Apply: Visit bayviewacademy.org/about-bayview/employment-opportunities and download the “Teaching Application.” Submit application, cover letter, and resume via email to: employment@bayviewacademy.org, or mail to: St. Mary Academy – Bay View, Attn: Mrs. Karen Barbosa, Associate Head of School for Student Experience, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915. An Equal Opportunity Employer, St. Mary Academy – Bay View commits itself to maintaining a welcoming environment for all people and extends its welcome to those who may be vulnerable to discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, military status, or other legally protected status.