Lower School (K-5th) Part-Time Counselor

Hilton Head Christian Academy•Bluffton, SC

About The Position

Hilton Christian Academy is seeking a part-time Christ-centered, passionate Lower School Counselor to support our students in grades K-5th. The Lower School Counselor will provide counseling services from a Christian worldview to students to support their social, relational, emotional and spiritual development. This role involves collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive and healthy school environment that furthers our vision to Know Christ and Make Him Known.

Requirements

Education: Four-year Bachelor’s degree (required), with a Master’s degree in school counseling (preferred)
Experience: Minimum of two years in a similar role in an innovative school setting (preferred).
Be a born-again Christian, committed to the Lord, exhibiting a close and dynamic daily walk with Jesus Christ.
Be in agreement with and able to support the school’s Statement of Faith.
Be a student of God’s Word and apply Biblical truth in word and counseling situations.
Place the oneness of the Body of Christ above membership in a particular denomination or church.
Understand and be committed to the distinctives of Christian education and HHCA.
Have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively with staff, students, faculty and parents.
Have consistent and timely follow through on communications and decisions.
Have a teachable spirit and be able to take constructive criticism with a willingness to learn and grow.
Be extremely well organized, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing multiple tasks.
Be solution-oriented.
Have excellent computer skills.
Maintain utmost confidentiality in all school matters and have a high level of integrity.
Have professional experience and qualifications that match responsibilities of the position to include working knowledge of counseling models, methods, and resources and the ability to identify and respond to student needs.
Have the ability to present a positive image of the school to others and to the community.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual counseling in a confidential, one-on-one process to provide personalized, short-term support that helps students address academic, personal and social / relational challenges.
Assist students in developing problem-solving and decision-making skills, and setting action plans to improve well-being and success.
Facilitate small groups guiding shared challenges (academic, relational or emotional) in a biblically-based, structured and often short-term setting (6-8 weeks, weekly sessions) to develop skills, gain insights, and find support, through activities like role-playing, discussion or other peer interactions.
Implement programs to promote social / relational, emotional and spiritual growth.
Support students in developing positive, Christ-centered relationships with peers and adults.
Facilitate school initiatives that promote positive behavior systems founded on Biblical truth.
Respond to and manage crises or emergencies affecting students.
Collaborate with other school staff and external resources to provide immediate support.
Work closely with parents to address concerns about their child's academic, social, or emotional well-being.
Collaborate with teachers to implement strategies that support student success.
Provide professional development / training sessions for staff and / or parents as needed.
Conduct classroom guidance lessons.
Introduce students to basic concepts of career exploration and planning.
Provide information about educational and vocational opportunities.