School Counselor

National Association of Independent Schools; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

403(b) plan

Meals during the school year

Job summary

The National Association of Independent Schools is seeking a School Counselor to provide comprehensive counseling services to students in grades 9-12 at Church Farm School in Exton, PA. This role involves creating a supportive atmosphere, delivering therapeutic services, and facilitating crisis interventions.

The ideal candidate should possess a master’s degree in counseling, certification as a School Counselor, and at least five years of experience, with a commitment to multicultural counseling approaches.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in counseling is required.
• Certification as School Counselor is mandatory.
• At least five years of experience in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling utilizing evidence-based practices.
• Lead crisis responses and risk assessments during mental health situations.
• Collaborate with parents and outside treatment providers for continuity of care.

Skills

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Communication

Multicultural awareness

Therapeutic techniques

Education

Master’s degree in counseling

Certification as School Counselor

Job description

Position Title: School Counselor

Start Date: August 2026

FLSA: Exempt, 10-month

Address: CHURCH FARM SCHOOL
1001 E. Lincoln Highway Exton, PA 19341

Benefits: Church Farm School offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, time off including school breaks, 403(b) plan, and meals during the school year.

Position Overview

The School Counselor provides comprehensive counseling services and social‑emotional support for boys in grades 9‑12 within a dynamic boarding school environment. This role is responsible for creating a safe, structured, and supportive atmosphere that addresses the holistic developmental needs of students. As a compassionate mentor and collaborative partner, the Counselor delivers evidence‑based therapeutic services, facilitates crisis intervention, and implements social‑emotional learning initiatives to promote student well‑being, resilience, and healthy adolescent growth. CFS seeks a flexible, supportive, and outgoing school counselor who aims to positively influence the lives of our scholars.

Position Specifications

Counseling & Mental Health Services

• Provide short‑term individual and group counseling utilizing evidence‑based practices (e.g., CBT) to address anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, and adjustment to boarding life.
• Conduct informal check‑ins and wellness assessments specifically tailored to residential students.
• Help students cultivate healthy coping skills, self‑awareness, problem‑solving, responsibility, and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain high quality, confidential counseling records in compliance with legal and ethical mandates.
• Lead workshops for the student body on topics such as resilience, healthy relationships, and academic and executive functioning to support the whole student.

Crisis Management & Intervention

• Lead crisis responses and risk assessments in coordination with school leadership, faculty, and families during urgent mental health situations.
• Identify and refer students to outside professionals for neuropsychological evaluations, psychotherapy, or specialized social‑emotional supports.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Partner closely with the Health Center, Learning Support, Faculty, Chaplain, School Leadership and parents/guardians to monitor and support student mental health.
• Consult and collaborate with parents, caregivers, and outside treatment providers to ensure a continuity of care.
• Participate regularly in student support meetings and provide faculty with guidance on addressing student needs within the classroom and dormitory. Attend and actively participate in faculty meetings (academic and residential), assembly, chapel and other school meetings and activities.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in counseling
• Certification as School Counselor
• At least five years’ experience in a school setting
• Demonstrated experience with students, preferably boys of color, with a commitment to approaching counseling through a multicultural lens

Personal Attributes

• Ability to cultivate and maintain meaningful, professional relationships with students, families and all members of the CFS community.
• As we are a residential school, the School Counselor is expected to work some weekends and evenings and must be responsive to crisis situations during the school year.
• Energized by community life and the unique rhythm of a boarding school.
• A high degree of discretion and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and make sound clinical decisions within the framework of school policies and regulations.
• A compassionate, collaborative partner that is highly responsive and thrives in a fast‑paced, residential community

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to utilize a computer with monitor(s) for prolonged periods of time.
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination.
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds of weight.

Church Farm School is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Church Farm School welcomes and celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.