Upper School Counselor

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Summary:

The Upper School (grades 9-12) seeks a dynamic and experienced school counselor to work collaboratively in support of the Upper School student body. The Counselor is a member of the Student Resource Team.

• Assessing and addressing students’ mental and emotional health concerns and supporting a learning environment that centers the social and emotional wellbeing of all our students.
• Working in partnership with the US Administrative Team and Teaching Faculty within the Upper School.
• Supporting parents by providing clear communication, therapy referrals, education, and guidance; addressing students’ needs through one‑on‑one meetings and pro‑social guidance.
• Teaching a Health and Wellness 9th Grade Seminar course, including ongoing curriculum development as new topics of importance arise.
• Planning Upper School education, assemblies, and programs to address perennial issues that older adolescents face, as well as ad‑hoc concerns that arise.
• Coordinating schedules to ensure counselor availability and scheduled programming for day, evening, and some weekend activities and events.

Successful candidates will be flexible, organized, creative, and collaborative, with a sound psychological understanding of the development of adolescents, conflict resolution, and student and family support. SSFS seeks candidates who appreciate and support students who represent a broad range of learning variabilities, points of view, and cultural and social backgrounds, with a strong commitment to a progressive, dynamic, and diverse school community.

• A Master’s in School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field with a focus on adolescent development and significant counseling experience, 2‑years minimum.
• School counseling experience preferred; knowledge of and experience with the developmental, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of adolescents and how to address those within a school setting.
• Computer literacy and experience using Google Suite for administrative and instructional purposes, familiarity with database systems, and strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Counseling experience in a student‑centered environment; the ability to form trusting relationships with students, faculty, and families; consistent professionalism with and among all constituencies; and experience supporting students with a wide range of social‑emotional and/or academic needs.
• Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills are essential.

• Experience teaching adolescent health education.
• Experience with international students.
• Knowledge of Quaker educational philosophy is desirable.

• Salary: $75,000 – $85,000 yearly.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage, and life insurance at no cost to employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Financial aid available to children of SSFS employees.
• Discounts for after‑care and summer camp programs for employees’ children.
• Free parking, free lunch, and access to the library and gym facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development through tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, and ongoing initiatives.
• Beautiful, historic campus with walking paths; a smoke‑free, environmentally conscious community.

Sandy Spring Friends School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or a person's status as a qualified candidate with a disability in administration of its educational program, admission policies, financial aid program, staff hiring, and other school‑administered programs.

The ability to navigate stairs as part of daily routines; mobility around a large campus with uneven pavement; bending and squatting as required to participate in activities; lifting/carrying boxes up to 25 pounds; and the ability to maneuver as necessary within a regular classroom and office setting.