Career Center

School Overview: 

Riverdale Country School is a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school in New York City committed to empowering lifelong learners by developing minds, building character, and creating community in order to change our world for the good. Riverdale seeks to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in its students, faculty, and staff. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is the foundational core of the anti-racist, anti-bias, and transformational work that Riverdale is doing to help students, faculty/staff, families, and alumni feel seen, heard, and valued. The school enrolls about 1,200 students who collectively reside in 104 different zip codes. Approximately 43% of our student body are students of color.

We seek to employ people who engage in all aspects of work with a student-centered approach, an open mind, passion, and a willingness to support the greater community. At Riverdale we recognize that the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is iterative and requires a consistent commitment. Ideal candidates display that commitment in their work and in their approach to teaching and learning.

Student Life Overview: 

Our school counseling department is part of Student Life. Riverdale’s Student Life K-12 Program supports character development and guides students as they make meaning and discover their purpose. The pillars of Student Life align closely with Riverdale’s mission of mind, character, community: Identity and Belonging; Social Emotional Learning; Health and Wellness; and Learning to Learn. 

Position Description and Essential Responsibilities: 

We are seeking a full-time mental health counselor, potentially starting in January 2022. In this position, the counselor will support a caseload of individual students, communicate with parents/guardians and outside providers, implement proactive mental health programming for students and faculty, advise our Middle and Upper School administration and faculty, conduct safety assessments and advise on school interventions, and collaborate with our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Department and Health Department. The counselor will report to the Middle and Upper School Director of Student Life and join a school counseling team with two counselors and a consulting psychologist. As an integral part of the school community, the counselor will collaborate with faculty advisors for our student affinity spaces and PAL peer leadership programs on best practices for facilitating groups and may teach a section of Health.

Qualifications: 

A Master’s degree or doctorate is required in school counseling, mental health counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or a related field. A NYS license as a clinician, social worker or psychologist or NYS certification as a school counselor is required. 

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Experience as a counselor in a school setting or working with adolescents in a clinical setting is preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit cultural competency and include as part of their practice and approach a commitment to centering inclusion and equity in their work with students and faculty.  

All candidates for employment at Riverdale should demonstrate an interest in engaging students in an environment that is both supportive and rigorous and will participate in community activities, including advising student groups, service opportunities, or other co-curricular programs.

Riverdale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws which prohibit discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national and ethnic origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital or partnership status, caregiver status, predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, active military or veteran status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Benefits: 

• Transportation: Shuttles are offered from Manhattan and from the 242nd St/Broadway subway station, making stops near transit hubs including the MetroNorth – Harlem Station, subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D, and the Henry Hudson Parkway at the 246th St bus stop, connecting to #7 and #10 bus and Express Buses from Manhattan.
• Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).
• Benefits: Health, dental, vision and retirement savings are just a few of the Riverdale benefits.

To apply, please use the Job Openings tab under Careers on our website.