Counselor (Begins Late August 2026)

Francis W. Parker School•Chicago, IL

1d•$70,022 - $133,748

About The Position

Counselor (Begins Late August 2026) Job Summary : Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 940 students and employs over 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community. We are currently seeking a Counselor to join our expert faculty (5th and 6th grades). The Counselor aims to provide social-emotional support to students and their families. Working closely with the Division Head, Learning Resource teachers, faculty, and parents/guardians, the Counselor identifies and addresses social-emotional and learning issues in individual students.

Requirements

Masters degree or above in Social Work, Psychology, and/or Counseling
Experience providing individual and group Counseling services to late childhood and early adolescent students (Upper Elementary and/or Middle School level), plus a strong grasp of the unique developmental needs of early adolescents and the learning needs of Middle School students
Commitment to progressive education
Commitment to collegiality, collaboration, and partnership within and across divisions
Proficiency with data management and effective documentation for intervention implementation and tracking
Commitment to chaperoning grade-level trips and other field experiences
Adept at clear and tactful communication with adolescents, their families, and colleagues
Commitment to ongoing professional development in Counseling practices, Mental Health, student development, and progressive education

Responsibilities

Provide brief solution focused counseling to students but on occasion, long term supportive therapy. This may also include facilitating small groups based on student/cohort needs (i.e. new students, divorce/separation)
Coordinate and make decisions about higher levels of care for students, as clinically indicated (social-emotional crises, etc.)
Help coordinate student services, within the School, between teachers, Learning Resource teachers and other outside professionals (tutors, therapists, etc.) - including referrals, staffing/consultation meetings
Design and facilitate lessons and workshops for students and families including: student health and wellness lessons and family-facing workshops on building awareness of developmental issues and strategies to support students