The Opportunity:

The School Counselor supports the academic, social-emotional, and personal development of students in alignment with the school’s mission. As a visible and trusted presence on campus, the counselor fosters a culture of belonging, resilience, character, and well-being while partnering closely with faculty, families, and administrators.

At Kiski, the counselor plays a proactive role in community development, preventative programming, and individualized student support within a mission-driven educational environment.

The key responsibilities of the position will be:

Student Support & Counseling

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling.
• Support students experiencing social, emotional, academic, or behavioral challenges.
• Develop and implement student support plans in collaboration with families and faculty.
• Maintain appropriate documentation in accordance with professional and legal standards.
• Refer students and families to outside providers when necessary.

      Preventative Programming

• Lead programming focused on topics such as belonging, resilience, conflict resolution, digital citizenship, stress management, and leadership.
• Partner with faculty to embed character education and community norms into school culture.
• Support advisory programs where applicable.
• Assist students with goal setting, time management, and study strategies.

Crisis Response & Risk Assessment

• Serve as a member of the school’s crisis response team and safety committee.
• Conduct risk assessments when concerns arise.
• Partner with administration in health and safety protocols.
• Support re-entry plans following extended absences, hospitalization, or major life events.

Family and Faculty Partnership

• Serve as a trusted resource for parents regarding adolescent development and social-emotional growth.
• Communicate proactively and professionally with families.
• Offer parent education workshops or resources as needed.
• Consult with teachers on classroom management, student development, and behavioral concerns.
• Provide professional development on student mental health and well-being.
• Participate in and lead student support team meetings and faculty discussions.

The ideal candidate for the position will possess the following qualifications and qualities:

• Relevant experience working with students in a residential setting, preferably in a boarding school environment.
• Ability to engage fully with boarding school life, potentially performing weekday and weekend residential life duties, coaching a sport, serving as an advisor, or advising a club/student organization.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration with students, parents, and faculty.
• Empathy, patience, and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Innovative and adaptable mindset to navigate the challenges and opportunities of working with young people.
• Successful experience working collaboratively as a member of a team to identify and solve challenges.
• An excellent written and oral communicator.

Why Work at Kiski?

• Kiski offers a close-knit community of passionate and dedicated educators on a beautiful and spacious campus that includes trails, wooded areas, and river access. Overlooking the charming small town of Saltsburg, Kiski’s location offers the peace and beauty of a rural area, but is just 30 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, a world class city that has undergone a tremendous renaissance over the last 20
• Kiski provides structured mentorship and support for educators at every career stage and fosters a culture of innovation and collegiality.
• Kiski provides a competitive benefits package with generous support for professional development and continuing education, and offers tuition remission for eligible children of employees.
• Kiski provides on-campus housing as well as meals for employees and their families in the Turley Dining Hall. Employees have access to the state-of-the-art Rogers Athletic Center, including a weight room, gym, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. Most teachers live on campus creating a small village atmosphere.
• Most importantly, working at Kiski provides each employee with the opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of young Our alumni and their families are deeply loyal to the school and grateful to their teachers and they stay in touch long after they graduate.

• Requirements
  • Master’s degree in School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling or related field
  • Valid CPR/AED Certification
  • Valid First Aid Certification
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license
  • Prior work in a school setting is preferred

About The Kiski School

Founded in 1888 Kiski is one of the most established small boarding schools in Pennsylvania and in the United States. Home to 200 students, from around the country and around the world, Kiski is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant community that is fully committed to living out its mission of preparing students for success in college and in life. Kiski offers an academically rigorous curriculum that includes advanced and honors courses, 12 varsity sports, and a community in which every students thrives as a result of innovative teaching, a caring faculty, and opportunities for self-discovery. Kiski's beautiful, 350-acre campus is in the charming small town of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, 30 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh.

Connections working at The Kiski School