School Counselor (Interim)
About The Position
Lake Forest Academy is seeking a licensed school counselor (LCSW, LCPC, Clinical Psychologist, or Psych APN with a therapeutic focus) to join our health services team for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year. Counselors at Lake Forest Academy (“LFA”) establish and maintain relationships that foster the community's emotional health. While the counselor’s primary responsibilities involve providing and facilitating mental health support for students, the counselor also interacts with LFA colleagues, parents and health providers outside of the community so that appropriate wrap-around services may be provided. Ideal candidates will be human-centered and will lead with empathy. Candidates should model professionalism, boundaries, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Proven expertise in communicating about nuanced and evolving topics is essential, and compassionate curiosity about the human experience is expected. This position reports directly to the Dean of Students.
Requirements
- Attention to detail
- Dedication to, and demonstration of, inclusive and equitable behaviors to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and safety
- Models positive behavior
- Works collaboratively and effectively as a team member
- Maintains professional and collegial relationships with staff
- Demonstrates a commitment to clear and consistent boundaries and never waivers in maintaining confidentiality
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written
- Superior time management skills
- Experience and comfort working with a diverse population
- Willingness to get involved in a boarding school community
- Thrives and exhibits flexibility around the often unpredictable nature of this work
- Current and valid IL license as LCSW, LCPC, Clinical Psychologist, or Psych APN with therapeutic focus
- Masters degree required
- Clinical experience with adolescents
- Trauma informed approach
- YMHFA certified or willing to obtain
- CPR certification or willing to obtain
Nice To Haves
- Experience within independent schools is a plus but not required
Responsibilities
- Provides brief short-term counseling services to students, supporting behavioral, social, and emotional concerns and needs.
- Provides ad hoc evaluation and support for students based upon family, student, self or faculty/staff request
- Provides acute support and handoff care to outside providers in mental health emergencies
- Collaborates with the health services team, DOS and student academic support team to ensure consistent, appropriate and compassionate care is provided for each student
- Establishes and maintains relationships with and refers to a broad based group of outside mental health providers when needed
- Serves as a resource for parents, faculty and the broader community in mental health education and short term support as needed to benefit students
- Plans and manages small groups each semester
- Maintains careful and confidential records as per department policy and in accordance with legal standards and best practice
- Plans and executes (together or with department) psycho-education and mental health awareness/professional development activities for LFA faculty and staff
- Upon request, works directly with departments as needed
- Asks for regular feedback from teachers about students of mental health concern
- Participates in professional associations and continually develop professional knowledge
Benefits
- Final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate, within the school’s salary scale.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
