Lower School Counselor (Grades K-3) - The Chapin School : Job Details

Chapin's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): All Chapin students and professional community members are valued and appreciated for their unique identities, including their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, talents, and interests. We expect Chapin faculty to employ culturally informed, equity-focused teaching practices in order to reach all students and ensure they are known and understood. Each individual belongs to and is an integral part of our affirming and joyful learning community. To support this commitment, Chapin actively seeks diversity in its faculty, staff, and student body. All candidates are encouraged to be familiar with Chapin's DEIB commitment found on the School's website.Job OverviewThe Lower School Counselor is student-centered, passionate about young learners, and eager to develop relationships guided by empathy, compassion, and curiosity. They are integral and present figures in the daily life of the Lower School community and are dedicated to all students' social and emotional development. This approachable and flexible individual reports to the Head of the Lower School and works in partnership with LS faculty, Learning Resources, and the Student Support Team to ensure student growth.Chapin's Lower School Counselor will be:A counselor who demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive and integrated Social and Emotional programming whoIdentify developmental, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students in Grades K-3 to collaborate and assist faculty with planning to meet these needsIs knowledgeable of SEL programs (e.g. Little Spot of Feelings, Responsive Classroom, Fly Five, etc.) and works collaboratively with faculty in the training, planning, implementation, and alignment across each grade Uses evidence-based practices, research, and student needs to inform decisions and programming that support the social-emotional, health, and wellness of all Lower School studentsRecognizes the importance of integrating SEL in all aspects of students' lives at school and supports students via participation in classroom teaching, small group, and one-on-one meetings as neededA counselor who values each student's voice, experience, and history whoPossesses a deep understanding of child development and promotes an appreciation for student wellness and an understanding of the connection between emotional health and intellectual wellbeingCollaborates with teachers to address behaviors or needs when presented in the classroom, and responds both proactively and responsively.Identifies through observation the individual, classroom, and grade-wide social and emotional needs of students, and addresses specific trends, to design appropriate interventions and supportsA counselor who actively cultivates a classroom and community of belonging by Building deep relationships with students, families, and faculty. Utilizing moments within the life of the school day such as during recess, lunch, and community events to engage students in meaningful waysCentering social and emotional learning within the Lower School program Possessing experience in cultural competencies and applying these understandings in their work with students, faculty, families, and in curriculumPrioritizing continuous examination of own biases with respect to student diversity, equity, and inclusionA partner to students, their parents, and colleagues in the social and emotional needs of Lower School students whoMaintains consistent communication and follows through with faculty and families in a confidential and supportive mannerGuides teachers to build their SEL capacity and create authentic relationships with students Collaborates with equity coordinators and homeroom teachers to ensure equitable practices within the SEL programming in homerooms and individual and family workProvides guidance and support to parents around child development and issues related to mental healthEstablishes and maintains connections with outside providers and manages individual crisis interventionQualificationsRequired Master's or Doctoral Degree in School Counseling or School PsychologyFive or more years of experience in an elementary school settingExperience and or knowledge of SEL programs such as Responsive Classroom/Fly Five/Second Step/Little Spot of Feelings etc.Preferred Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are of special interest as our students learn Spanish starting in KindergartenExcellent verbal and written communication skillsCommitment to DEIB/Culturally Responsive PracticeThe salary for the position will be commensurate with experience and the range is $90,000-$140,000 How To Apply:Interested candidates should submit a rsum and cover letter. Applicants who apply by March 7th will receive priority. Candidates who apply after March 7th will be considered on a rolling basis.