Description
REPORTS TO: Associate Head of School
SCHEDULE: 12-month faculty
PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER TO BE CONSIDERED
FUNCTION: Reporting to the Associate Head of School, the Director of Counseling will represent, as a stakeholder, the perspective from counseling on appropriate policies and procedures of the Health Center. Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides counseling, assessment and evaluation services for students and provides individual student crisis intervention when necessary. Consult with parents/families to provide support and additional resources, recommending outside care professionals if necessary.
- Coordinates communication with mental health providers.
- Oversees communication between Health Center, deans and families regarding medical leaves for students. Offers daily support to students and families during leaves. Communicates and facilitates re-entry plans for students returning from medial leaves.
- Act as a resource to parents/families, faculty, dorm parents, deans and administrators.
- Coordinates and develops outreach efforts of the counseling department in multiple areas including (but not limited to) eating disorders, depression and anxiety, substance abuse, LGBTQIA+, stress management, non-suicidal self-injury, bullying and social media. Works with students and departments to promote such outreach efforts.
- Develops protocols and procedures for dealing with mental health issues in the school community.
- Collaborates with Health Center staff on all on-going counseling issues. Reports all vital issues to the Director of the Health Center. Provides a daily report to evening/weekend on-call nurse.
- In conjunction with the admission office and Director of Health, reviews incoming student files who may present a unique challenge to the community.
- Attends various departmental meetings serving as a resource to the community.
- Provides diversity and sensitivity awareness to students, families, faculty and staff.
- Maintains records and case notes in accordance with regulations and policies.
- Assist in training of peer leaders, prefects, dorm parents, new faculty and advisees in preparation for upcoming academic year and throughout.
- Supervises one counselor.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Provides 24/7 on-call support as needed and as part of the on-call rotation schedule.
- Other duties as assigned.
Employment Diversity Statement
Cheshire Academy is an internationally minded college-preparatory school with a diverse student body representing over 31 different countries. We are fully committed to hiring and retaining faculty and staff that reflect the diversity of our student body. Candidates should demonstrate dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice within our community. We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Nondiscrimination Policy
Cheshire Academy, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. Cheshire Academy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
- Licensure in the State of CT in counseling or related field is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
- 7-10 years of counseling experience is required. Independent school counseling experience is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and deep listening skills.
- Ability to demonstrate empathy and concern for students and families.
- Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality and composure in all situations involving students, families and colleagues
- Proven record of success in working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, parents and community leaders
- Demonstrates commitment to respect a broad range of views and to building mutual understanding, trust, and shared commitment over time.