School Counselor (TK-12

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 290 students in Silicon Valley. The Lower School (TK-5) program is located in Palo Alto, California. The Upper School (6-12) is located in Mountain View, California.

Khan Lab School seeks a dedicated part-time School Counselor to support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our diverse student body. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive counseling services in an educational environment where innovation and student-centered approaches are valued.

The School Counselor will work collaboratively with faculty, administration, and parents when necessary to develop and implement strategies that foster students' mental health, social development, and academic success. This role requires a compassionate professional who can create a safe and supportive space for students while helping them navigate challenges and develop resilience.

Working within our unique learning model, the Counselor will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking educational community committed to reimagining what's possible in education. The position offers a balance of scheduled counseling sessions, responsive support for immediate student needs, and collaboration with our educational team.

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to students (grades TK-5), addressing academic, social-emotional, and mental health concerns.
• Serve as a trusted resource and advocate for students, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.
• Respond to student concerns with compassionate, developmentally appropriate interventions that promote resilience and well-being.
• Provide immediate support and risk assessments for students experiencing crises, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, or significant emotional distress.
• Collaborate with administrators, families, and outside professionals to ensure appropriate interventions and crisis response.
• Track student concerns, interventions, and progress using appropriate databases and reporting tools while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

• Work closely with the school-level directors and faculty to create a holistic and integrated support system for students.
• Engage families in proactive communication, providing guidance on adolescent development, mental health, and school-life balance.
• Serve as a liaison to outside mental health professionals, making referrals when appropriate and ensuring coordinated care for students in need.
• Advocate for and have a keen understanding of culturally responsive, inclusive counseling practices that support the diverse needs of the student body.

• Be a visible and engaged presence on campus, fostering strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Support classroom teachers and advisors in finding ways to help students succeed.
• When on campus and available, actively participate in community events, student activities, and leadership programming to foster connection and well-being.
• Have confidence and comfort with speaking in front of students, faculty, and families about student well-being and mental health topics.

• Stay informed about best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in adolescent mental health, school counseling, and wellness education.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance counseling effectiveness.
• Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with school policies and professional guidelines.

• Positive impact on students, measured through relationships, feedback, overall well-being, student surveys, and classroom observations.
• Development and refinement of effective wellness initiatives.
• Strong collaboration with faculty, families, and leadership to foster a culture of wellness.
• Effective communication and engagement in the school community as a trusted resource.

• Master’s, PsyD, or Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing short-term individual and small-group counseling to adolescents.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood and adolescent development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and common mental health challenges affecting middle and high school students.
• Experience implementing school-based wellness programs, social-emotional learning, or anti-bullying…