Garrison Forest School is seeking an experienced, creative and dynamic individual for a full-time faculty position in our Middle School as the Middle School Counselor commencing August 2021. The Counselor is part of the Middle School Administrative Team, working closely with the Head of the Middle School, Dean of Students, Academic Resource Coordinator, and Digital Learning Specialist, as well teachers and students. The Middle School Counselor may be asked to work as a consultant or counselor to other divisions and their populations as needed. Qualified candidates must be licensed in the State of Maryland. This position reports to the Head of the Middle School and the Director of Counseling. 

We are seeking an experienced counselor with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Comfort with current educational and communication technology and willingness to innovate, collaborate and challenge are essential. Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide direct mental health services to students, including individual, small group, and family meetings
• Consult with teachers, parents and administrators regarding concerns about social and emotional welfare of students
• Provide referrals to outside mental health providers for students, families and faculty
• Serve as a liaison between outside mental health providers and the school
• Available by phone for after-hours support needs of the  Residential Life community 
• Crisis intervention and safety management
• Attend Admissions Committee meetings for the Middle School
• Coordinate grade level meetings with Academic Resource Coordinator
• Teach Decision Making classes to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade
• Organize parent education programs
• Contribute to the life of the School by chaperoning Middle School field trips as well as one weekend activity for the Residential Life program and two weekend activities for the Middle School
• Take responsibility for being a role model by maintaining an environment that fosters respect among students and colleagues.
• Possess strong communication skills, a patient and thorough understanding of early adolescence and the ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues and parents.
• Work alongside the Middle School Administrative team to build a meaningful learning experience for students.

School Overview:

Garrison Forest School, located in Baltimore County, Maryland, is an independent, non-sectarian day and boarding school educating girls in grades K-12, with a coed preschool. GFS offers a national and international boarding program for girls in grades 8-12.  Founded in 1910 and set on a stunning 110-acre campus in suburban Owings Mills, Garrison Forest offers a program with a wealth of opportunities in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics.  Confident, creative and compassionate, GFS girls are encouraged to be fully engaged within the school and with the local and global community around them as they develop their passions and their own authentic voices in a spirited and joyful environment.

Candidates should support the Mission, Core Values, and Statement of Respect of Garrison Forest School. Garrison Forest School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or disability in its employment policies and other school-administered programs.  Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@gfs.org.  Information can be mailed to Vanessa Griffin, Assistant to the Head of School, Garrison Forest School, 300 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. No telephone calls, please.