Student Counselor

Position: K-12 School Counselor

Reports to: Student Services Coordinator

Evaluated: Annually

FLSA Qualification: 12 Month Exempt

Position Summary

The K–12 School Counselor is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive school counseling program that supports the social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The counselor works collaboratively with students, families, faculty, learning specialists, and administrators to identify and address barriers to student success and to promote healthy development, well-being, and resilience.

The counselor integrates current mental health best practices with an understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and child development, helping to ensure that student support services align with the educational philosophy and developmental approach of the school.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesStudent Counseling and Support Planning

• Identify social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs that may impact student success.

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to students as appropriate.

• Support students in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, resilience, and healthy decision-making.

• Conduct assessments and interventions related to student well-being within the scope of the counselor's professional role.

• Provide crisis intervention and support in situations involving student safety, mental health concerns, or significant emotional distress.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling services, student support plans, and interventions.

• Act as a liaison with community agencies/providers to ensure continuity of services.

• Monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of support strategies and interventions.

Family Support and Community Resources

• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student social-emotional development and support needs.

• Provide guidance to families regarding available school-based and community-based resources.

• Maintain a current professional referral network and community resource list.

• Facilitate referrals for outside assessments, evaluations, and long-term counseling or therapeutic services when appropriate.

• Support families in obtaining documentation and professional recommendations needed to inform student support planning.

Social-Emotional Learning and Prevention Programs

• Develop and facilitate classroom and group-based social-emotional learning experiences that support healthy social development and positive classroom culture.

• Facilitate programs related to conflict resolution, bullying prevention, emotional wellness, digital citizenship, and healthy relationships.

• Develop and facilitate prevention and intervention programs addressing student wellness and safety concerns.

• Provide input regarding topics including media and technology use, safeguarding, equity and access, substance abuse prevention, and age-appropriate health and sexuality education.

• Support school-wide initiatives that foster belonging, empathy, respect, and positive peer relationships.

Consultation and Collaboration

• Collaborate with teachers, learning specialists, and administrators regarding student social-emotional and behavioral concerns.

• Collaborate with administrators and committees to plan and implement social-emotional learning initiatives, parent education programs, and student wellness activities.

• Provide consultation and recommendations related to classroom dynamics, student development, and mental health best practices.

• Participate in student support meetings, faculty meetings, and multidisciplinary team discussions.

• Work collaboratively with school leadership to ensure continuity of support services across all divisions.

• Collaborate with families, teachers, learning specialists, and administrators to develop and implement student social-emotional success and safety plans when needed.

School Leadership and Program Development

• Develop and maintain a working understanding of Waldorf pedagogy and child development as they relate to counseling practices and student support services.

• Ensure counseling approaches align with both professional counseling standards and Waldorf educational principles.

• Collaborate with school leadership and committees to develop curriculum, programs, and policies that support student well-being and healthy development.

• Serve as lead member of the Safeguarding and Media Committee.

• Participate in section meetings, full faculty meetings, and committee work as assigned.

QualificationsRequired

• Master's degree in School Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.

• Valid Texas School Counselor Certification.

• Knowledge of counseling procedures, student appraisal, child and adolescent development, and mental health best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and administrators.

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

Preferred

• Knowledge of Waldorf education and Waldorf child development.

• Teaching experience.

• Experience in an independent school setting.

• Training in restorative practices, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, or social-emotional learning programs.

• Experience working with students across multiple developmental stages, including elementary, middle, and high school.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of child and adolescent development.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, families, and colleagues.

• Strong counseling, consultation, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.

• Ability to develop and facilitate educational and preventative programming.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Commitment to supporting the healthy development of the whole child.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout a multi-building campus.

• Ability to attend meetings, observe classrooms, and participate in school events.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

The K–12 School Counselor works in a collaborative educational environment serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The position requires regular interaction with students, parents, faculty, administrators, and outside service providers and may involve occasional evening or weekend commitments related to school events, parent education, or committee work.