Primary and Lower School Counselor

Position:
Primary and Lower School Counselor

Location:

Bloomfield Hills, MI
Job
# of Openings: 1

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. At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that each child possesses unique gifts and we aim to nurture those gifts. We seek a counselor for Primary and Lower School (Pre‑Kindergarten through Grade
4) to support students’ social‑emotional learning and individualized support.

• 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, school assemblies, and special events, including Curriculum Night.
• Utilizing school data and program feedback to evaluate the impact of the counseling program and drive continuous improvement.
• Participating in reflective, self‑directed, ongoing professional development.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

• A Master’s degree in School Counseling, School Psychology, or a closely related field is required.
• Strong grounding in child and early adolescent development, including the social, emotional, and cognitive characteristics of students in Grades PK‑4.
• At least three to five years of experience in counseling or a related field is preferred.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Enthusiasm for counseling students of all abilities.
• Knowledge of special education processes and eligibility guidelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with children, families, and adults.
• Strong professional judgment, discretion, and adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Demonstrated success with…