Elementary School Counselor

Oak Hall School, an independent day school in Gainesville, Florida, is seeking a Lower School Counselor for our youngest students, in Preschool- 5^th Grade.  Oak Hall is proud of its college preparatory academic program, with the Lower School serving as the foundational cornerstone of a students’ academic experience. Our Lower School seeks to develop inquisitive thinkers and joyful learners, and to plant the seeds for lifelong learning. School life for Oak Hall students in these early years of development is designed to provide increasing opportunities for young learners to explore their intellectual curiosities within a warm, welcoming and supportive educational environment.

We seek a Lower School Counselor to serve as a trusted resource for students, families, faculty, and staff in the areas of social, emotional, and mental health matters affecting students in Preschool- 5^th grade.  Our Lower School Counselor will provide direct and indirect support services, strategies, and learning opportunities that promote and enhance student success and help provide the foundational skills necessary for children to learn to navigate daily life challenges.

A Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or similar degree required, with licensure as LCSW, LMHC or school counselor certification preferred. Extensive experience with, and passion for, working with elementary aged children and young adolescents in a social-emotional support, mental health, or school counselor capacity is required.

Essential Functions:

• Actively support the mission of Oak Hall School in all aspects of student and faculty engagement
• Pro-actively address the social-emotional needs of students in Preschool- 5^th grade
• Adhere to the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors
• Be a visible, engaged member of the school community, actively developing and fostering relationships within the school’s constituency, with particular focus on relationships with lower school students and families.
• Provide short-term counseling in Preschool- 5^th grade in individual, group, or classroom settings to promote academic, social, and emotional development
• Provide mental health crisis assessment and management, including referrals as appropriate, for students in Preschool- 5^th grade, and to the greater school community, as needed
• Cultivate and maintain a network of third party specialists to refer families and students to for further servicing; partner with these specialists in developing appropriate plans for students
• Maintain accurate records of student counseling, referrals, parent interactions, and any contact with outside agencies in accordance with legal and professional standards
• To the degree possible and appropriate in a school setting, preserve and protect confidentiality of students and families dealing with mental health issues
• Participate in team meetings for students of concern; take a lead role in creating and implementing a plan of action to support the student 
• In partnership with the Director of Teaching and Learning and Lower School administrative team, assist with the oversight and implementation of developmentally appropriate character education programs for the Lower School
• Provide resources and support for the social-emotional needs of students in Preschool-Grade 5, as well as promote strategies for academic success 
• Develop and deliver faculty and staff training/professional development related to childhood and early adolescent mental health and wellness and mandatory reporting
• Partner with the Lower School Director, Director of Learning Support, and other administrative team members to provide families with information, guidance and strategies to help their children with relevant social-emotional issues
• In partnership with the Lower School faculty and administrative team, use evidence-based practices to provide support for students in developing emotional self-regulation skills
• Provide focused support meetings for new students/families in the Lower School  prior to the start of school
• Seek and participate in opportunities for professional growth and networking to be fully engaged in discovering, considering, pursuing, and implementing, as appropriate, best practices in this role
• Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Committee
• Be a role model of integrity and professionalism
• Meet regular attendance requirements, including attending division and other school meetings, professional days, graduation, parent engagement meetings, and other required events
• Adhere to school policies as described in the Employee Handbook and other materials
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, or similar degree required
• Licensure as LCSW, LMHC or school counselor certification preferred
• Must have experience working with elementary aged children and young adolescents in a social-emotional support, mental health, or school counselor capacity
• Demonstrated ability to provide behaviors and skills consistent with the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards and Competencies
• Must possess strong knowledge of student mental health issues and child and adolescent development 
• Must possess excellent judgment with the ability to approach topical issues with a keen understanding of the varied interests of all stakeholders within an independent school community 
• Strong organizational, administrative, facilitative, and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability, willingness, and judgment to communicate effectively and relate well to students, parents, faculty, staff, and other constituents in a school environment 
• A strong work ethic and the ability to accept and meet unexpected challenges with grace and a positive attitude
• A commitment to, and enthusiasm for, professional development and lifelong learning
• The ability to work positively, collegially, and professionally with students, parents, and faculty
• A high degree of professionalism, collegiality, and personal conduct both in and outside of school
• Enthusiasm and commitment to the vision and mission of the school
• Physical Requirements and Work Environment:  This individual will work in a fast-paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts. The employee will regularly uses close and distance vision, and must have the ability to visually and audibly locate students under their supervision. Work at a desk and computer screen for extended periods of time is required. Although the employee will work primarily in a climate controlled office, they will work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. The employee must have the ability to actively circulate throughout the diverse campus environment, and to occasionally lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.

Oak Hall is proud to offer a comprehensive employee compensation package, including a competitive salary, health and wellness benefits, paid time off, holiday pay, and generous retirement plan options to benefits- eligible employees.

Oak Hall School is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Oak Hall’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, marital status, or other legally-protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This employer participates in E-verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the US. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.