Upper School Counselor

Position Overview

Hilton Head Preparatory School invites applications for a full-time Upper School Counselor beginning August 2026. The ideal candidate is a student-centered, empathetic, and collaborative professional who understands the critical role that social-emotional learning, academic support, and student advocacy play in helping adolescents thrive. This position is central to supporting student well-being, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and advancing a cohesive, developmentally responsive All-School Counseling Program aligned with Prep’s mission and core values.

The Upper School Counselor works closely with students, families, faculty, and administrators to support academic, social, and emotional growth. The counselor serves as a trusted advocate for students, a resource for families and teachers, and a collaborative partner in creating a joyful, inclusive, and ambitious learning environment.

• A deep commitment to student well-being and adolescent development
• Knowledge of and experience with social-emotional learning frameworks, particularly RULER
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
• Experience supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally in a school setting
• Commitment to Prep’s Mission and Core Values:
  Scholarship, Community, Integrity, Excellence, and Creativity
• Willingness to be an active, visible presence in the life of the school
• Engagement with professional learning and school counseling organizations

Experience in an independent school setting is preferred.

• Advocate for all students, supporting their academic success, emotional well-being, and sense of belonging.
• Provide short-term counseling and crisis support for Upper School students as needed.
• Identify students of concern and collaborate with Division Heads, advisors, faculty, and the Learning Resource Specialist to develop appropriate support strategies.
• Refer students and families to outside therapists or specialists when additional support is warranted.
• Partner with the Lower and Middle School Counselor to implement and embed RULER practices in Upper School classrooms as a core component of Upper School culture.

• Consult regularly with parents, teachers, and administrators regarding students’ social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Collaborate with Division Heads to develop grade-level resources and calendars that support advisory programming and student development.
• Support academic advisors by helping integrate SEL curriculum and best practices into advisory meetings.
• Coordinate outside speakers and community organizations to address relevant student issues and topics.

• Support and help advance Prep’s SEL programming using the RULER framework and other research-based practices.
• Assist in developing and delivering workshops or lessons focused on emotional intelligence, wellness, identity development, and healthy decision-making.

• Contribute meaningfully to the broader life of the school through club sponsor ships, co-curricular involvement, athletics, or arts programming.
• Maintain a visible, approachable presence on campus to build strong relationships with students.
• Participate in professional development and remain current with best practices in school counseling and SEL.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree or postgraduate work in School Counseling or a related field strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting the social, emotional, and academic needs of adolescents.
• Familiarity with or training in RULER or similar SEL frameworks (preferred).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Technological proficiency related to counseling, curriculum design, and group presentations.
• A collaborative, flexible, and student-centered approach.
• A passion for working with adolescents and supporting their intellectual, emotional, and personal growth.

Hilton Head Preparatory School is a leading independent school serving students from 15 months through 12th grade, with approximately 560 students overall…