Primary and Lower School Counselor

Academy of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1851, is Michigan’s oldest independent school, offering a Catholic, college-preparatory education to girls (infant–Grade 12) and boys (infant–Grade
8) from many cultural and faith backgrounds. As part of a global network of Sacred Heart schools, we are guided by the Goals and Criteria, which define our shared mission and the essential elements of a Sacred Heart education.

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts. Our job is to unearth those gifts, nurture them, and empower each child of the Sacred Heart to share those gifts with the global community. Academy of the Sacred Heart is committed to being an equitable and inclusive community and seeks candidates who connect to our Mission and Goals.

This counselor will work at the intersection of social-emotional learning and individualized student support, providing proactive programming and responsive counseling during a pivotal period of development. This counselor will serve as a trusted adult presence, helping students develop the resilience, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills they will carry into the Middle Schools and beyond. Under the direct leadership of the Director of the Primary and Lower School, and in collaboration with the Primary and Lower School Associate Director, the Learning Support team, and faculty, the PRI/LS Counselor will work both proactively and responsively to support the whole child: academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

• A commitment to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart network schools as articulated in the school mission.
• Designing, implementing, and continuously evaluating a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate social, emotional, and developmental curriculum for Grades PK-4.
• Delivering regular social, emotional, and developmental curriculum in partnership with teachers, addressing topics such as self-concept and identity, emotional regulation, responsible decision‑making, empathy, healthy peer relationships, conflict resolution, and digital citizenship.
• Developing and leading targeted programming around key Grades PK-4 developmental milestones and transitions, including the bridge from the Early Childhood and the transition into the Middle School.
• Collaborating with faculty to integrate social, emotional, and developmental practices into daily classroom routines and the broader school culture.
• Providing individual counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges, making timely and appropriate referrals to licensed mental health professionals when clinically indicated.
• Responding to and managing crises or emergencies affecting students, following established school protocols, and coordinating appropriately with administrators, families, and outside professionals.
• Facilitating small group sessions addressing common Grades PK-4 concerns.
• Building genuine, trust‑based relationships with all students in Grades PK-4, maintaining an accessible and welcoming counseling presence across classrooms, outdoor spaces, and school events.
• Reviewing psycho educational evaluations and participating in parent meetings as well as outside provider meetings related to students’ diagnosis.
• Partnering with the PRI/LS learning specialist and school leadership to develop, implement, and monitor student learning plans.
• Engaging families as active partners, sharing observations, providing developmentally grounded guidance, and coordinating referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Presenting to Grade PK-4 parents on relevant topics related to students’ social, emotional, and developmental milestones.
• Participating in student support team meetings, family conferences, and relevant school‑wide committees.
• Coordinating collaboration with the Bloomfield Hills Special Education nonpublic services team and serve as a case manager for students with a Nonpublic Services Plan and/or Building Accommodation Plan.
• Participating in faculty meetings, liturgies, chapels,…