Posted: 11-Feb-26
Location: La Jolla, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: $92,000 – $115,000 annualized
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Salary Details:
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For a position beginning in July 2026, La Jolla Country Day School is seeking a compassionate, student-centered, and collaborative School Counselor to join our dynamic Wellness team that is visionary in preventative mental health. Reporting to the director of wellness, this individual joins a team of counselors and nurses, playing a vital role in supporting the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of students and families. The counselor will contribute to a fast-paced, dynamic school environment and engage fully in the life of our PreK–12 campus community.
This role focuses on providing responsive, developmentally appropriate counseling services, crisis intervention, and preventative social-emotional learning programming specific to the needs of Middle and Upper school students, while partnering closely with families, faculty, and administrators to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive school culture.
Why Join La Jolla Country Day School?
La Jolla Country Day School is a mission-driven educational community grounded in dignity—the belief that every human being has inherent value and self-worth. As San Diego’s only independent school serving students from age 3 through Grade 12 on one campus, LJCDS offers a uniquely connected community where students are supported through every stage of development.
Our Wellness team believes in proactive care, collaboration, and meeting students where they are. If you are passionate about student wellbeing, equity and belonging, and building meaningful relationships within a school community, we would love to meet you.
What You’ll Do
- Student Support & Direct Services
- Provide individual and small-group social and emotional support to students and families
- Respond to mental health crises and safety concerns, including conducting risk assessments and implementing immediate intervention protocols
- Refer students to outside counselors and professional services for ongoing support and complete required documentation
- Collaboration & Consultation
- Partner with school administration and division heads to address the needs of students in assigned grade levels
- Facilitate communication among students, families, faculty, and administrators regarding student wellbeing
- Consult with parents/guardians and faculty on student concerns, behavioral interventions, and strategies to support social and emotional development
- Social-Emotional Learning & Prevention Programming
- Develop and deliver developmentally appropriate, evidence-based SEL programming through classroom guidance, faculty/staff training, and responsive educational tools
- Provide education and programming on topics including mental health, substance use, and sexual health
- Team Participation & Case Management
- Participate in regular student support, grade-level, and wellness team meetings, contributing to action plans for students experiencing social or emotional distress
- Maintain confidential student records and case notes in compliance with professional standards and privacy laws
- Community Engagement & Professional Growth
- Maintain professional relationships within the local and greater San Diego community to support school programming and a strong referral network
- Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current on national trends and best practices in student mental health and wellbeing
Who You Are
- Student-Centered & Compassionate: You prioritize student safety, belonging, and wellbeing and approach your work with empathy and care.
- Collaborative Team Member: You enjoy working closely with colleagues, families, and administrators in a team-oriented environment.
- Skilled Communicator: You communicate clearly and effectively with students, adults, and groups, both in conversation and in writing.
- Reflective & Adaptable: You demonstrate a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment in complex situations.
- Equity-Minded: You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and restorative practices.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in School Counseling or a related field required
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in school counseling, personal or family therapy, or a related field
- Experience supporting student social-emotional health, including familiarity with risk assessments
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and MTSS frameworks
- Comfort delivering classroom guidance and public presentations to varied audiences
- Willingness to chaperone overnight experiential or outdoor education programming
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills
- Commitment to La Jolla Country Day School’s mission, values, and community standards
Work Environment & Expectations
- Full-time, in-person, campus-based role
- Typical office and classroom environments with variable noise levels during school events
- Role requires regular sitting, standing, walking, and movement around campus
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work at a computer for extended periods
- Physical presence on campus is required to perform essential duties
To be considered, please submit:
- A current resume or CV
- A cover letter describing your counseling philosophy, relevant experience, and interest in joining the LJCDS community
- At least two professional letters of recommendation
All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.