Middle School Counselor; Grades 5-8

Position: Middle School Counselor (Grades 5-8)

St. Francis School is an independent school providing high-quality education to children from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is not affiliated with any church or religious denomination or other supporting organization.

St. Francis School is committed to:

• low student-teacher ratios and attention to the needs of every student;
• excellence in achievement without exclusivity in admissions;
• a student body that is integrated racially, ethnically, economically, and religiously, and in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity;
• an atmosphere that is both supportive of religious and humanistic values and welcoming to children of all faiths.

Learn more about St. Francis and our philosophy of education here:

https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Middle School Counselor

St. Francis School is seeking a dynamic, passionate and highly collaborative Middle School Counselor to join our dedicated team of educators for the 26-27 school year.

This role supports students’ academic success, social-emotional growth, and overall wellness, helping every child feel known, supported, and appropriately challenged.

Guided by the mission of St. Francis School and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the Middle School Counselor will design and lead a comprehensive, developmentally responsive counseling program. This is an ideal role for a relationship-driven counselor who enjoys early identification and prevention, partners closely with families and faculty, and contributes to a strong K–8 counseling continuum.

Duties and Responsibilities Comprehensive Counseling Program

• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive middle school counseling program aligned with ASCA standards and school values
• Provide tiered supports (universal, targeted, intensive) for academic, social-emotional, and wellness needs
• Use data and trends (attendance, academic indicators, wellness concerns) to guide proactive programming and interventions

Student Support & Academic Guidance

• Consult with teachers and coordinators to strengthen classroom support strategies and early intervention
• Help students build self-advocacy skills and confidence in seeking support
• Monitor and respond to concerns such as academic decline, disengagement, high absenteeism, or extended illness

Social-Emotional Learning & Wellness

• Provide short-term individual counseling and facilitate small groups (friendship skills, stress/anxiety, emotion regulation, identity development, healthy decision-making)
• Plan and deliver SEL programming through Advisory/Homeroom and/or school-wide initiatives
• Support students in navigating peer dynamics, conflict resolution, and social problem-solving
• Partner with caregivers to connect families to outside resources when needed (therapy, evaluations, psychiatry, etc.), supporting continuity of care

Safety, Risk Support & Responsive Care

• Serve as a member of the school’s student support/safety team (e.g., Compass Team)
• Participate in risk assessment processes and follow established protocols for documentation, safety planning, and follow-up support
• Provide crisis response and short-term support for students experiencing acute stressors

Collaboration & Community Life

• Collaborate closely with administrators, the Elementary School Counselor, and student support teams to ensure continuity across K–8
• Communicate and collaborate with Learning Center teachers supporting students with learning differences
• Build strong, consistent partnerships with families through clear communication and shared problem-solving
• Participate fully in the life of the school, including meetings, events, and other duties as assigned

High School Preparation & Transition

• Guide students and families through high school preparation and transition planning
• Support students and coordinate with relevant teams to ensure a thoughtful, student-centered transition process

Requirements and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field
• Experience working with middle school students (K–8 and/or independent school experience preferred)
• Knowledge of ASCA National Model and best practices in school counseling
• Strong collaboration skills and comfort working on multidisciplinary teams
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive counseling practices
• Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills

Personal Qualities

• Warm, steady, student-centered presence
• Proactive, organized, and solutions-oriented
• Calm and thoughtful in complex or sensitive situations
• Systems-minded while attentive to individual student needs
• Excited to contribute to an inclusive school community

#J-18808-Ljbffr