School Counselor - Preschool & Lower School

Dwight School•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Dwight School, an innovative preschool-grade 12 coeducational school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is seeking a self-directed, experienced, and energetic School Counselor to begin in August 2026. The school counselor serves an integral role in our community, promoting student success, providing preventative services, and responding to identified student needs. Rooted in consultation and collaboration, the school counselor implements a comprehensive and eclectic approach that addresses academic, personal, and social-emotional development for all students. The position is a full-time position primarily focusing on grades from PK3 to Fourth. The position reports to the Director of School Counseling and Head of 94th Street Campus.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in school psychology, school counseling, social work, or a related field
Minimum of three years of experience in a school setting, ideally within early childhood or childhood divisions
NYS certification or licensure in their conferred degree
Experience in school counseling with students with a range of learning styles
Eagerness to contribute positively to the Dwight community
Willingness to engage with and learn from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences
Ability to bring joy, kindness, maturity, and flexibility to the school environment

Responsibilities

Provides 1:1 support for students in need of academic, social, or emotional guidance
Makes referrals to outside professionals for students needing ongoing therapy and helps coordinate psychoeducational testing when necessary
Reviews psychoeducational and neuropsychological reports for students
Communicates with parents and, when appropriate, with teachers of students receiving in-school counseling
Supports division head in decisions of discipline and integrating counseling as a pastoral source of learning and support in behavioral situations
Participates in student support teams both internally and externally
Develops appropriate rapport with students and parents in the preschool and lower school divisions
Conduct risk assessments as needed and follow appropriate protocols to ensure student safety and well-being
Maintain appropriate and timely note keeping through Magnus Health
Engages students in small group work for conflict resolution, peer mediation, and related needs
Conducts in-class lessons and activities on social-emotional learning for students in grades K-4
Leads counseling-based affinity groups for self-selected students (e.g., Banana Splits)
Participates in regular meetings with the Counseling team and attends regular grade-level and divisional meetings
Consults with teachers and provides guidance on areas related to student behavior, academic concerns, and social-emotional development
Collaborates with the school’s healthcare office, learning specialists, and division head to ensure student health, wellness, and safety
Regularly communicates with parents whose children are receiving counseling services
Provides opportunities for parent education through hosting “coffee talks” with Counseling team and/or division head
Provides informal parent coaching to inform student success
Assists parents in finding additional resources outside of school to support their child(ren)’s needs