Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.
Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.
Summary
The Student Support Counselor captains academic and social-emotional support services/programs, provides or finds the support necessary for students (and their parents/guardians) who are struggling academically or social emotionally, and helps the Oakwood School Heads with special projects related to strategic initiatives involving pedagogy and the middle and high student experience. The Student Support Counselor provides support to parents/guardians, faculty, department chairs, deans, and Oakwood School Heads as it relates to students. This is a Full-Time, School-Year position beginning in August 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities(include but are not limited to)
Partner with the Oakwood School Heads and Deans to support all students, especially those who are struggling academically or social/emotionally, and help faculty implement pedagogical practices that serve students equitably
Provide leadership and guidance to Oakwood’s grade 6-12 advisory program, partnering with division heads, deans, and advisors to create and implement social and emotional learning curriculum and initiatives
Develop and write in-house student accommodation/learning plans with long-term goals and specific objectives
Provide direct support to students with identified Learning Differences and oversight of their related academic accommodations
Provide counseling to students regarding academics and school-related social/emotional challenges
Provide crisis intervention and assessment as needed
Partner proactively with faculty and administration to support neurodiverse students
Maintain confidential student records and keep accurate documentation for any struggling students, including sessions, meetings, and assessments conducted by third party educational specialists
Initiate and schedule parent conferences as needed
Recommend in-school and community resources for identified students, including referrals to mental health professionals
Collaborate with professionals outside the school to support student success
Coordinate and facilitate communication between student, family, school, and other involved professionals
Observe and evaluate individual students displaying academic or behavioral challenges and assess their learning strengths and areas of need
Supports Admissions by occasionally reading incoming student evaluations when asked
Supports the High School Testing Coordinator with proctoring of AP exams, PSAT exams, and SAT exams
Submit requests for standardized testing accommodations for qualifying students, through the College Board and collaborate with High School Testing Coordinator to secure testing rooms, and proctors, for these select students
Network with academic coordinators or learning specialists at other independent schools
Pursue professional development opportunities (academic support and student wellness)
Attend conferences and professional meetings in order to remain current with industry trends (academic support and student wellness)
Participate/assist in professional development of faculty to ensure equitable assessment practices related to evolution from traditional to standards/skill based grading
Participate in committee, department, and staff meetings, as well as school-sponsored events that would benefit from your area of expertise
Be involved in the school community at large
Offer occasional faculty and parent educational programs or training
Assume responsibility for other projects as assigned by Oakwood Heads
Other Duties and Responsibilities(include but are not limited to)
Embody Oakwood School’s mission and values
Support and follow school policies and procedures
Attend various staff meetings, Back-to-School Nights, Open Houses, and other events as directed
Contribute to student supervision, including upper school sub pool and parking lot duty
Qualification Requirements/Areas of Professional Development:
An advanced degree in counseling, school counseling, psychology, school psychology, social work, or related field.
Possession of a clinical license such as an LMFT, LCSW or Pupil Services Credential is preferred.
Knowledge of learning disabilities, psycho-educational tests, reports, and assistive technology
Experience interpreting assessments and test results, academic achievement, and diagnostic testing
Knowledge of community resources to support students and their families
Understanding of differentiated instructional strategies across the curriculum
Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills
Exceptional written and oral communication skills
Strong networking skills to ensure access to resources in the broader community
Detail-oriented and resourceful
Tactful and discreet
Technologically savvy (Google Suite, Student Information Systems, Zoom, etc.)
High-empathy and enthusiastic about working in an academic atmosphere
Sense of humor and personal embodiment of Oakwood’s values
Physical Requirements & Environmental Conditions
Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-30 pounds
Ability to perform repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement to work on computer and/or related office equipment.
Ability to work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time
Frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear
Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations on campus
Normal office environment and moderate noise levels
Occasional to frequent interruptions
Compensation
This position has an expected salary range of $92,000 to $120,000.
Benefits
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement plan with employer match, paid sick leave, professional development opportunities, and on-site cardio and weight room.
Dependent children of employees receive tuition remission (one child no-cost tuition/full-time employee), financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and on-site before and after school care. Please visit Oakwood’s Employment webpage to learn more and access a full listing of benefits.
Oakwood School is dedicated to a culture of dignity and inclusion for all and is honored to be an equal opportunity employer.
Oakwood School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students in preschool through twelfth grade. Students come to Oakwood for an outstanding, balanced academic program led by expert, passionate teachers who foster confident self-expression and self-discovery. Our diverse community, thriving on an expansive campus, provides a home for an extended family of learners. Here, we share our unwavering commitment to a more intentional education.
Located in beautiful suburban Morgan Hill, CA, Oakwood offers its faculty and staff convenient access to many amenities, such as shops, restaurants, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The world-class resources of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, the University of California-Berkeley, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area are only a short drive away.