School Counselor

Who We Are:

We are an independent PreK-5 school located in Wallingford’s Good Shepherd Center. Meridian inspires children to approach learning with passion and curiosity. Classes are small and our curriculum is challenging. We encourage students to be reflective, and to explore a diversity of thoughts and perspectives. We ask a lot of our students. We ask them to try, to make mistakes, to rebound, to apologize, to move forward with integrity. We ask them to take intellectual risks, and to be thoughtful caring community members. As citizens of the world, we encourage them to make connections between themselves, their local community and the larger global society. We strive for Meridian students to develop into curious, compassionate, responsible young adolescents who begin to understand the power that resides in their hearts and their minds.

We believe the challenges of our world require culturally-competent, well-rounded, critically thinking individuals prepared to be responsible and active global citizens. This is our work as educators in partnership with students and their families.  We offer an academic education that balances the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children. We believe a school community that is inclusive and diverse promotes a child’s sense of belonging. Meridian students learn to understand varying points of view, which over time will fuel innovation, creativity, and positive change for communities near and far.

Job Summary:

Under partnering supervision, works directly with students, staff, and families on SEL needs. Provides leadership creating and implementing Student Support Plans. This position consists of approximately 50% counseling support and 50% supporting SEL focused classroom teaching.

Specific Responsibilities:

Provides small group and individual support for students Pre-Kindergarten to 5th grade
Reviews and summarizes neuro and psychoeducational evaluations, and supports the implementation of recommendations through the development of social-emotional goals through Student Support Plans
Member of the Student Support Team which includes two learning specialists and the Assistant Head of School. This team meets weekly to discuss students in need of support, following through on appropriate action items, collaborating and consulting with relevant faculty, administration, and families
Offers curriculum resources and training to faculty and staff around social-emotional-behavioral health
Supports classroom SEL activities in collaboration with classroom teachers
Collaborates with the Director of Enrollment Management to support the School’s admissions process in its efforts to skillfully balance learner needs across the student body by reviewing prospective students’ application materials and classroom observations; supports orientation of new students and families
Develops a system to track and document students’ progress toward their social-emotional goals
Facilitates communication and recommendations between students, parents/families, and faculty and staff regarding students’ social-emotional growth and progress
Along with the Director of Equity and Inclusion and the Faculty Equity Team, acts as a resource for faculty and staff in providing emotional and social support for students/families of diverse backgrounds
Supports the Assistant Head of School in organizing and building out the SEL curriculum and program
Collaborates with the Assistant Head of School on specific self-harm and risk assessments as needed
Conducts student classroom observations alongside the learning specialists
Partners with community agencies and clinicians to make appropriate referrals for students and families
Fosters a school climate that enhances community and student growth
Has a commitment to ongoing cultural competence and professional development that includes anti-bias and anti-racist education, and the motivation to put these skills into practice
Actively participates in and attends weekly faculty and staff meetings
Stewards student culture in alignment with Meridian’s Mission and Values
Maintains a professional demeanor in all communications and interactions with students, faculty, parents, and any other member of the Meridian community
Supervises students in a variety of settings, including the classroom, the playground, and field trips
Supports teachers as needed, including morning meetings, lunch, recess, and dismissal
Cultivates community relations by maintaining open dialogue with all of the school’s constituencies
Actively participates in the full life of the school
Vigorously engages in their own professional development; is a life-long learner
Is familiar with and complies with all policies and regulations as put forth in the school’s documents
Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, faculty, and staff
Performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, educational psychology, or psychology required
Training in de-escalation preferred
3+ years’ experience as a school counselor, school psychologist, or social worker
Experience planning SEL curriculum and lessons
Experience working in an independent school environment preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to manage and support people in emotional distress, and help keep them and others safe
Ability to relate to all constituents in the community
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the students and the program
Demonstrates knowledge and skill to work with students from diverse backgrounds
Demonstrates skills in preparing lessons to serve a variety of learning styles, needs, and accommodations
Commitment to teaching the whole child
Understanding of the developmental needs of elementary school students
Considers themselves a master relationship builder and mission-centered culture-shaper
Impeccable written and verbal communication skills
Ability to be adaptable and responsive
Commitment  to ongoing cultural competence and professional development that includes anti-bias and anti-racist education
Enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and a sense of humor
Ability to keep information in the strictest of confidence
Proficient at working in a Google suite environment; ability to master common automated systems for record keeping, and learn new technology
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
Ability to work outside, travel locally (for field trips), and attend overnight experiential learning

Compensation:  $76,000.00 – $119,000.00 / Year

Salary and benefits are competitive with independent schools in the Seattle area and based on our faculty salary scale, which considers years of teaching experience and education.

The Meridian School offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package intended to support and promote the health and well-being, work/life balance, and financial security of our regular, full-time faculty, staff, and their families:

Employer-paid medical/vision insurance for employee
Employer-paid dental insurance for employee
403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Contribution
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Life/AD&D Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Section 125 Health and Daycare Spending Accounts
Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Supplemental Dental and/or Vision, Cancer/Specified Disease, Critical Illness, and Hospital Confinement Insurance
School breaks that follow the academic calendar
Paid Time-Off for holidays, sick leave, personal leave, jury/witness duty leave, and bereavement leave
Professional Development