Upper School Counselor

Southern Association of Independent Schools, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Professional development

Job summary

Southern Association of Independent Schools, Inc. is seeking an Upper School Counselor to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students in grades 10–12 at Tunstall Upper School, part of Norfolk Academy.

The counselor builds trusting relationships with students, families, faculty, and leadership to help students navigate adolescence. The role emphasizes confidential, developmentally appropriate counseling, collaboration with school staff, and connections to community

Qualifications

• Masters degree in school counseling, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to Upper School students around social, emotional, academic, and developmental concerns.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and families to identify and support students who may need additional assistance.
• Consult with teachers and Upper School leadership regarding student well-being, behavior, relationships, and other concerns that may affect the student experience.
• Communicate thoughtfully with parents and guardians and help connect families with appropriate school and community resources when needed.
• Help students develop healthy coping strategies, resilience, responsible decision-making, self-advocacy, and positive relationships.
• Provide developmentally appropriate programming related to student wellness, mental health, relationships, decision-making, and other topics relevant to adolescent growth.
• Participate in student-support meetings and collaborate with other members of the schools student-support team.
• Respond appropriately to students experiencing significant emotional distress or crisis and work with school leadership, families, and outside professionals as necessary.
• Maintain appropriate confidential records and documentation in accordance with professional standards and school policies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with outside mental health professionals and community resources to support appropriate referrals and continuity of care.
• Contribute actively to the life of the Tunstall Upper School and broader Norfolk Academy community through participation in school programs, events, and activities, and by building meaningful relationships with students beyond the counseling office.

Education

Master7s degree

Job description

Position Summary

Tunstall Upper School is currently seeking an Upper School Counselor to support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students in grades 10–12. Successful candidates demonstrate a strong ability to build trusting relationships with adolescents and collaborate effectively with students, families, faculty, and Upper School leadership as students navigate the opportunities and challenges of adolescence. The counselor supports students in developing confidence, resilience, sound judgment, healthy coping strategies, and self-advocacy skills.

Position Category: Full-time, academic-year position.

The ideal candidate is approachable, thoughtful, and responsive; exercises sound professional judgment and discretion; and maintains appropriate confidentiality. As an important resource for students, faculty, and families, the Upper School Counselor contributes actively to a school culture in which students are known, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Norfolk Academy values honor, integrity, relationships, and service, and expects all faculty and staff to share a commitment to these values.

Responsibilities include

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to Upper School students around social, emotional, academic, and developmental concerns.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and families to identify and support students who may need additional assistance.
• Consult with teachers and Upper School leadership regarding student well-being, behavior, relationships, and other concerns that may affect the student experience.
• Communicate thoughtfully with parents and guardians and help connect families with appropriate school and community resources when needed.
• Help students develop healthy coping strategies, resilience, responsible decision-making, self-advocacy, and positive relationships.
• Provide developmentally appropriate programming related to student wellness, mental health, relationships, decision-making, and other topics relevant to adolescent growth.
• Participate in student-support meetings and collaborate with other members of the school’s student-support team.
• Respond appropriately to students experiencing significant emotional distress or crisis and work with school leadership, families, and outside professionals as necessary.
• Maintain appropriate confidential records and documentation in accordance with professional standards and school policies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with outside mental health professionals and community resources to support appropriate referrals and continuity of care.
• Contribute actively to the life of the Tunstall Upper School and broader Norfolk Academy community through participation in school programs, events, and activities, and by building meaningful relationships with students beyond the counseling office.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in school counseling, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Appropriate professional licensure or certification is strongly preferred.
• Previous counseling experience in an independent school setting is preferred.

Required Competencies

• Dedication and commitment to the well-being and growth of adolescents.
• An understanding of and commitment to the school’s values, as outlined in the Philosophy, Objectives, and Diversity, Equity, & Justice Statement.
• Strong knowledge of adolescent development and current issues affecting student mental health and well-being.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trusting relationships with students.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, faculty, administrators, and outside professionals.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and a strong understanding of professional confidentiality.
• Ability to recognize when a student requires additional assessment or outside professional support and to facilitate appropriate referrals.
• Strong organizational skills, responsiveness, and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to manage sensitive or difficult situations calmly, thoughtfully, and professionally.
• A collaborative, flexible, and student-centered approach to working with colleagues and families.

Salary and Benefits

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Norfolk Academy offers comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Norfolk Academy is committed to the professional growth and development of its faculty and staff. Employees enjoy access to broad grant and professional development programs, including continuing education funding, conference attendance, and other professional growth opportunities.
• For a list of employee benefits, please visit: Norfolk Academy Benefits Offerings

Non-Discrimination Policy

Norfolk Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, status as a veteran, and/or national origin.