School Counselor for Early School and Lower School

Southern Association of Independent Schools, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte Preparatory School is seeking an Early and Lower School Counselor for pre-primary through third grade. This full-time, 10-month position provides emotional and social support per ASCA standards and school policy.

The counselor will collaborate with families, teachers, and external specialists to implement targeted interventions. The role emphasizes crisis support, observation-driven planning, and documentation in FERPA-compliant logs, with a focus on inclusive, developmentally

Qualifications

• Must hold NC licensure in school counseling.
• Master's degree in psychology, school counseling, social work, or related field is required.
• Prior school counseling experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide warm, developmentally-appropriate individual and group counseling for students in pre-primary through third grade.
• Support social-emotional curriculum with preventive practices.
• Conduct classroom observations to identify behavioral triggers and recommend adjustments.
• Assist in identifying developmental delays or needs and refer for evaluations when appropriate.
• Serve as liaison between parents, teachers, and outside specialists.

Skills

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Master's Degree in Psychology, School Counseling, Social Work, or related field

North Carolina licensure in school counseling

Job description

OVERVIEW

The Early and Lower School Counselor at Charlotte Preparatory School is the primary emotional and social support staff member for students in pre-primary through third grade. The Early and Lower School Counselor supports students' social, emotional, and mental health in accordance with state law, the professional and ethical standards of the American School Counselor Association, and school policies and procedures. This is a full-time, 10-month position.

The employee will maintain a learning environment that supports the Charlotte Preparatory School mission statement and upholds the four pillars of leadership - Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, and Courage. Charlotte Preparatory School is committed to sustaining a professional, inclusive, and collaborative environment where diversity in thought and culture is welcomed.

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Provide warm, developmentally-appropriate individual and group counseling, play-informed intervention, and crisis support for students in the early and lower schools.
• Support and enhance the social-emotional curriculum using culturally responsive, preventive practices.
• Conduct classroom observations to identify behavioral triggers, model regulation strategies, and recommend environmental modifications to teachers.
• Assist in identifying early signs of developmental delays, neurodivergence, or sensory needs, recommending further specialized evaluation when appropriate.
• Serve as a primary liaison between parents, teachers, and outside specialists.
• Interpret and summarize psychoeducational evaluations to create actionable support plans.
• Coordinate behavioral and academic interventions, partner with teachers on classroom management strategies, and advocate for student needs.
• Assist with student transitions, parent education forums, school orientations, and connect families to external community resources.
• Uphold strict adherence to child safety policies, mandated reporting requirements, and ethical standards for early childhood mental health.
• Maintain confidential, accurate counseling logs, progress notes, and intervention plans in compliance with FERPA and professional ethical standards.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, School Counseling, Social Work, or other related field.
• Must maintain full licensure for the state of North Carolina.
• Prior school counseling experience preferred.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Team-oriented with the ability to work effectively with all members of the Charlotte Prep community.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with high levels of attention to detail.
• Positive, enthusiastic, flexible, and warm personality.
• Strong work ethic, proactive, and success-oriented.

SUPERVISION

Reports directly to the Head of Lower School

Charlotte Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally protected classification applicable to Charlotte Preparatory School in administration of its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs.