Middle School Counselor

The Buckley School•Los Angeles, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Buckley School is seeking a Middle School Counselor to serve the emotional, social, and psychological needs of students in grades 6-8. This role involves one-on-one counseling, developing educational programs, and collaborating closely with administrators and teachers. The counselor will address students' social and emotional needs, including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and developing coping strategies. They will also develop and implement behavior management plans, communicate with parents, and design comprehensive school counseling programs. The position requires staying current with developments in school counseling and education, ensuring compliance with regulations, and working as part of the student support team. The counselor will act as a liaison between faculty, advisors, parents, and outside support providers, and will coordinate parent education programs and classroom observations. Additionally, the role involves assisting with transitions between school divisions, maintaining a referral list of outside professionals, participating in school events, conducting admission interviews, and reviewing the school counseling program annually. The counselor will also establish a planning calendar with other counselors, implement systems for the counseling program, and articulate the program to various stakeholders. Developing technological skills and collaborating with other professionals are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

An advanced degree in School Counseling, Social Work, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or Applied Psychology is required.
Appropriate license, certification, and/or other documentation attesting to the candidate's expertise in counseling is required.
Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills
Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations, including students, parents, and faculty.
Demonstrated knowledge of child and adolescent development and social-emotional learning.
Genuine interest and excitement in working with students and a desire to support their learning and growth.
Comfortable being visible and engaged on campus
Demonstrates great individual integrity, initiative, self-awareness, commitment to personal and professional growth, and the ability to receive and apply feedback
Possesses a passion for education, particularly in an independent school environment, conveyed by a solid understanding of educational practice and philosophy grounded in DEI
Relishes the joys and challenges of working with K-12 students and possesses a deep understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development of children
Demonstrates adaptability, dependability, good judgment, strong social skills and the ability to read, assess, imagine, evaluate, calculate, & make wise decisions
Demonstrates strong communication skills in person, in writing, by phone, and through other electronic means (such as Zoom)
Knowledge of Google Drive (Sheets and Docs), Blackbaud/Education Edge, and the ability to learn new and evolving technology

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of experience working with Middle School children and families in a school setting is preferred.
Experience with developing scope and sequence, working in collaboration with department peers

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counseling to students on academic and personal/social issues.
Address students' social and emotional needs, including conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and developing coping strategies.
Develop and implement behavior management plans and support systems for students with behavioral issues.
Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding students' progress, concerns, and potential interventions.
Design and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that promote student achievement and well-being.
Stay current with developments in school counseling and education through ongoing professional development and participation in professional organizations.
Ensure all counseling practices comply with state and federal regulations, as well as school policies.
Works closely with the middle school student support team and K-12 student support team.
Function as a liaison among faculty, advisors, parents/guardians, and those providing outside support to students.
Communicate often with faculty and advisors.
Coordinate parent education programs.
Coordinate classroom observations of students with faculty and administration.
Periodically conduct professional development workshops for faculty and staff.
Upholds all expectations, policies and practices outlined in the school's employee handbook, the collective bargaining agreement, other foundational documents, and directives from senior administrators.
Maintains accurate and timely electronic records for each student.
Creates warm and uplifting professional relationships with students, families, and all constituencies of the school.
Communicates with students, families, and administrators in a timely and effectively manner concerning student progress.
Serves as an ambassador for the school at all times, on and off campus.
Assist in the transition to and from school divisions, communicating regularly with student support staff in both Lower and Upper Schools, including an annual transition meeting in the spring.
Maintain a current referral list of outside professionals for both mental/social/emotional health services and learning difference support, acting as a liaison between the school and outside professional support.
Observe students in classroom settings to help teachers with behavior management.
Participate in Outdoor Education, chaperone school events, attend grade level meetings, and get involved in Middle School life.
Conduct admission interviews for possible incoming students when needed.
Review the school counseling program and learning differences services annually with administrators and other support staff.
Establish a planning calendar for activities with the other counselors.
Plan, implement, and maintain the systems necessary for the support, maintenance, and improvement of the school counseling program.
Articulate the school counseling program and learning differences support program to students, parents, teachers, advisors, staff, and community.
Develop and maintain skills needed to utilize technology systems and participate in professional development activities.
Cooperate and collaborate with other professionals in enhancing the education of students and their social/emotional wellness.
Meet weekly with Middle School Administration and other student support staff to consult and collaborate (MS Student Support Team).
Attend all faculty and grade level meetings, and K-12 student support team meetings.
Adhere to the ethical standards and preferred practices of related state and national professional associations.
Demonstrate knowledge of local policies and state and federal laws pertaining to children.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and professional development.
Maintain professional confidentiality and discretion at all times.
Be comfortable working with teachers and administration in a collaborative environment.