Middle School Counselor

Mission Statement

The school is an independent, coeducational day school dedicated to providing an excellent instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth, enables students to understand their learning styles, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to the mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the school provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and also shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision

A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

Position Overview

Windward School Counselors support students’ social-emotional well-being and collaborate with faculty and families to promote successful school experiences. The role includes short-term counseling, behavior and crisis support, and delivery of social-emotional learning programming within a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide support for students and consultation for faculty.
• Observe students and offer specific strategies to support a successful school experience.
• Collaborate with campus leadership as well as with Student Support Team around behavior management and student support plans.
• Act as a crisis team member to provide consultation and manage crises.
• Provide short-term counseling and conflict resolution intervention as needed.
• Collaborate with the administration, student support staff, and health office to ensure student health, wellness, and safety.
• Deliver and support the development of The School’s Social Emotional Learning curriculum through Group Guidance and GAINS (Getting Ahead in School) lessons.
• Actively contribute to and support the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) initiatives of The School.
• Communicate directly with families and outside care providers in support of student progress.
• Facilitate short-term, project-based lunch groups (including Banana Splits peer-support groups).
• Support teachers in the completion of rating scales to assist outside providers with the assessment and monitoring of treatment planning.
• Any additional duties as assigned by the Head of School.
  
  

Required

Specific Qualifications

• NY State Certification in School Counseling or Social Work required.
• Experience working in a counseling position with Middle School students.
• Prior experience or strong interest in working with students with language-based learning disabilities.
• Commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging) work and creating an inclusive environment through anti-bias and culturally responsive education frameworks.
• Proven dedication to professional growth and best practice.
• Independent school experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to work in a collaborative model.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to synthesize complex research into clear, actionable guidance
• Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills