The Putney School is seeking a Mental Health Counselor to begin employment in June 2026. The Mental Health Counselor provides comprehensive mental health support to Putney School students by providing high-quality direct clinical care, psychoeducational offerings, and by working collaboratively with all members of the school to create a developmentally appropriate, clinically informed educational environment for students. 

This position reports directly to the Director of Health and Wellness and works intimately with members of the Health Services Team and the Dean of Students Office. This is a 12-month position and requires flexibility outside of a typical 9-5 work schedule which includes the expectation of evening and weekend obligations.

About The Putney School: Putney is a progressive, co-educational boarding school of 200 hardworking and curious students located 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. 

Putney is committed to cultivating and sustaining an educational community that values difference. Our commitment to social justice work is embedded in our stated Fundamental Beliefs. The ideal candidate will be eager to participate in anti-racist work and use an inclusive, social justice lens in their work with all students and adults on campus. Building a just and inclusive community is a shared responsibility, and Putney supports all its employees in developing this critical skill set.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions utilizing evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and applied behavior analysis to support students’ mental health needs.
• Provide crisis intervention and crisis management services during urgent situations, ensuring immediate safety and connecting students with appropriate resources.
• Perform diagnostic evaluations and assessments to identify emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues affecting students’ learning and social interactions.
• Develop personalized treatment plans and case management strategies tailored to each student’s unique circumstances, including referrals to external providers for ongoing clinical care as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, families, and external healthcare providers to coordinate care plans, implement behavior management strategies, and monitor progress.
• Maintain accurate medical documentation and records while ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Design and facilitate workshops and training sessions on topics like conflict management, social skills development, or mental health awareness for students and staff.
• Design mental health and wellness curriculum and programming; provide student instruction during select academic classes and health seminars.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Salary range of $55,000 to $70,000 depending on credentials and experience.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, and optional group insurance plans, HSA/FSA options, paid time off, and 403(b) retirement plan contributions.
• Annual professional development opportunities.

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field required.
• Must be authorized to practice psychotherapy in the State of Vermont.
• Vermont LICSW or LCMHC, or ability to obtain such with an out-of-state equivalent license via reciprocity, is preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with adolescents in an educational or clinical setting.
• Strong knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, counseling around substance use, trauma-informed care, and working with neurodivergent adolescents.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, medical documentation standards, and data collection methods relevant to mental health services.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging students effectively while maintaining professionalism within confidentiality compliance standards.
• Ability to work outside of the traditional school day, i.e. afternoons, evenings and/or weekends, as determined by the Director of Health and Wellness.
• Ability to pass a criminal-background check and authorization to work in the United States are required.