Career Center

The Putney School is seeking a full-time Mental Health Counselor to begin work on July 1, 2023. 

The primary objective of the Mental Health Counselor is to support the mental health of Putney School students by providing high-quality direct clinical care, psychoeducational offerings, and clinically-driven feedback to other entities within the school. The Mental Health Counselor works collaboratively with all members of the school to create a developmentally appropriate, clinically-informed educational environment for students. This position reports directly to the Counseling Director and works intimately with members of the Health Services Team and the Dean of Students office.

About The Putney School: Putney is a progressive boarding school for 230 hardworking and curious students in Putney, Vermont. Hands-on learning is embedded in the school’s culture: a working dairy farm, expansive arts offerings, a robust work program, miles of wooded trails, and large solar arrays serve our curriculum. 

Employees are also part of an intentional residential experience that values belonging and community. We seek applicants who find joy in their work and help others realize how much fun authentic, student-centered learning can be. The school cultivates and sustains an educational community that values difference. Community members explore how they contribute to building a home at Putney where everyone, especially those from historically-marginalized populations, can honor their individual racial, gender, ethnic, and socio-economic identities. Putney recognizes this is difficult, communal work. The school supports all its employees in developing this critical skill set.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical and Educational Tasks:

• As a generalist practitioner, provide individual counseling sessions to students covering a broad range of presenting problems
• Provide as-needed crisis intervention, assessment, and referral services
• Facilitate group counseling sessions, either on an ongoing basis organized by topic, or as-needed based on emergent need
• Provide family support services, including periodic updates, clinical recommendations, and transitional/referral services (excluding family therapy)
• Complete clinical documentation for all clinical services
• Provide case management services to students and families, allowing families to connect with outside providers and resources
• In coordination with Counseling Director, provide guest instruction in select academic classes, including Health Seminars

Psychoeducation and Training of Adults:

• In conjunction with the Counseling Director, Dean of Faculty, and Dean of Students, plan and present professional development sessions focused on mental health, child and adolescent development, and appropriate interventions
• Participate in Team Meetings as appropriate, both to contribute clinically and provide support and professional advice to Putney team members
• Be available to Putney team members as needed to problem-solve student psychosocial challenges
• In conjunction with Counseling Director and other relevant parties, design mental health and wellness curriculum and programming

Position Benefits:

• Competitive compensation depending on experience 
• Health benefits, paid vacation, and 403(b) retirement plan contributions 
• Annual professional development opportunities 
  

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 references via email to employment@putneyschool.org. We will continue reviewing applications until the position is filled. 

Qualifications: 

• Clinical certification (CADC) or licensure (LICSW, LCHMC, LPC) through the state of Vermont, or ability to obtain license within 6 months of hire
• Bachelor’s Degree in in Addictions Counseling, or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Minimum 2 years experience working with adolescents or in a school setting
• Training and experience conducting crisis assessments

About The Putney School

The Putney School, an independent boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located in southeastern Vermont, has been a model of progressive education since it was founded in 1935 by Carmelita Hinton, a prominent leader in implementing John Dewey’s progressive learning ideals. The school, situated on a ~600-acre working dairy farm integrates classes with a practical work program, outdoor activities, and a strong program in the visual and performing arts. All employees are expected to align their efforts with the school’s focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice work and to demonstrate a personal commitment to continue to grow in these critical areas. The Putney School encourages stewardship of the environment, social responsibility, and global awareness.

Connections working at The Putney School