Position Summary

The Middle School Counselor is an empathetic, responsive, and highly adaptable professional dedicated to navigating the unique developmental bridge between childhood and adolescence. This individual must possess the clinical insight to identify and monitor social-emotional issues and initiate solutions while meeting LCDS expectations and utilizing mindsets and behaviors outlined in the American School Counselor Association's “Professional Standards and Competencies.” This individual should work towards establishing a visible, trusted presence in the Middle School, while proactively connecting the school, families, and external mental health resources to ensure a holistic support network for every student. Our ideal candidate will be warm, collaborative, flexible, diplomatic, confident, patient, and possessed of a sense of humor and consistent professional presence. Exemplary communication skills are essential. 

We are hiring for an interim role for Spring 2026, and a permanent position to begin in August 2026.

Please submit cover letter, resume, and LCDS Employment Application with references to Brenda Tarvin at tarvinb@lancastercountryday.org.

General Responsibilities

Student Support

• Conduct individual student check-ins to build rapport and identify personalized support needs.
•  Lead "Middle School Prep" for 5th graders, facilitating orientation classes and student panels to ease the transition to middle school.
• Facilitate "Sort It Out" sessions and restorative conversations to resolve peer conflicts.

Programming & Curriculum

• Design and deliver evidence-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programming aligned with CASEL frameworks and PA Career Ready standards.
• In partnership with other faculty and counseling staff, coordinate and facilitate key counseling-related events, including, but not limited to: ? "Career Conversations" (similar to Career Day)
• PAYS survey
• TeenHope screening program (grades 6-12), managing all logistics, parent communications, and crisis protocols for at-risk students
• Utilize Lunch Clubs and Class Meetings as avenues for student connection and skill-building.
• Consultation & Advocacy
• Participate in grade-level team meetings to provide holistic perspectives on student behavior and academic performance.
• Consult with teachers to help create classroom conditions optimal for learning and growth.
• Maintain solution-focused communication regarding student progress and well-being.
• Provide professional expertise on trauma-informed practices and evidence-based interventions for Individual Support/Learning Plans, in collaboration with Learning Specialists.
• Host "Connect with the Counselor" sessions for parents and caregivers.
• Collaborate with the Admissions team as needed in communicating with prospective families, onboarding new students, and representing counseling services at school-wide events, such as open houses and back-to-school events.

Administrative & Safety Operations

• Maintain objective, ethical documentation of all student interactions.
• Work with administrators and fellow school counselors to monitor Bark alerts and Safe2Say Something tips regarding student safety; document actions taken and resolutions.
• Act as a key member of the Early Assistance Support Team (EAST).
• When needed, complete threat assessment documentation in consultation with administration.
• Perform daily operational duties as assigned, including lunch, recess, bus, or circle monitoring.

The nature of school counseling requires quick thinking, professional judgment, and may include other duties not listed above.

• Bachelor’s degree, plus a master’s degree in School Counseling or closely related field
• A minimum of two years of full-time classroom teaching experience strongly preferred
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality
• Comfort with and enthusiasm for Middle School students and their unique developmental needs
• Capacity to work collaboratively with others - faculty, staff, parents, and caregivers - in an educational setting
• Desire to be part of building the larger school culture and community, particularly with regard to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts

About Lancaster Country Day School

Country Day School seeks to provide a rigorous, college preparatory academic program within a supportive environment, creating a community of outward-looking, lifelong learners. Challenging students to look at the world in new ways, LCDS has high academic and behavioral expectations of its students while providing extensive support to achieve those standards. Through especially close relationships between students and adults, the School encourages personal growth and trust, fostering confident, articulate, and thoughtful individuals who can deal with the complexities of the world and the rapid rate of technological and societal change. As a preschool - 12 school with 600+ students under one roof, LCDS encourages a close interaction between people of diverse backgrounds, striving to reflect the world as it truly exists, respect for self and for others, and a commitment to one’s contribution to society, are the hallmarks of a Country Day education. In addition to setting high expectations, the School urges both students and adults to find a proper balance, fulfilling their many obligations while maintaining a strong commitment to their own physical and emotional health. Please visit our website for more information about the school: http://www.lancastercountryday.org

Connections working at Lancaster Country Day School