The primary responsibility of the Counselor is to provide emotional and social guidance and support for the Wesley Prep community to promote an exceptional environment for learning, social responsibility, and childhood development. Developmental differences among students help to define the role the counselor plays at each age level, but the primary responsibilities of the counselor include (1) provision of direct, short-term counseling services, (2) consultation with administration and faculty, (3) wellness education for students, faculty/staff, and parents, (4) serving as the chairperson of the Care team, a multidisciplinary team whose efforts focus on assisting and supporting students with specific challenges, and (5) member of the Student Support Team, and (6) serving as a liaison amongst the School, students, parents, and outside professionals in order to help each student achieve their full potential at Wesley Prep. The Counselor is a certified/licensed counselor who promotes student success, provides preventive services, and responds to identified student needs by implementing a comprehensive development school counseling program that addresses academic and personal/social development of PreK – eighth grade students. The Counselor works to maximize student success, promoting access and equity for all students.
Hold at minimum a masters degree in school counseling/counseling/clinical psychology or a related area or related field (social work, or clinical counseling).
Current licensed mental health professional (LPC, psychologist, or social worker).
Meet the state certification/licensure standards.
Fulfill continuing education requirements.
Uphold ASCA ethical and professional standards.
3+ years of professional experience, preferably in a private school setting.
Knowledge of child development (social, emotional, cognitive, physical) in children ranging from six months old to eighth grade.
Familiarity with current best practices in meeting the social and emotional needs of children age six months to eighth grade.
Ability to communicate and advocate effectively.
Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication and organizational skills.
Must possess a calm and caring demeanor with a deep optimism about children.
Ability to work effectively and calmly in high stress situations.
Knowledge of community resources related to emotional wellness.
Wesley Prep is a faith-based, co-ed private school and ministry of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, offering programs for six months through sixth grade. Wesley Prep is committed to honoring the dignity and joy of childhood while also providing a superior educational experience informed by the latest research in educational neuroscience. Wesley Prep's Early Childhood program is play-based and values the role that play has in growing students' cognitive, social, and emotional learning. As students mature into the elementary program, learning by doing is the guiding principle with each grade providing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. Whether working with the youngest learners in early childhood or the oldest learners in elementary, Wesley Prep believes that the most effective role a teacher can play is that of co-facilitator and co-adventurer on the journey of asking questions, problem-solving, and discovery that learning is. Guided by the mission of developing joyful leaders empowered by academics and integrity, Wesley Prep seeks joyful educators dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences for their students.