Merced, California
Merced, California
Richmond, Virginia
Greenville , Illinois
Posted: 25-Oct-23
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Type: Full Time
Long-term Substitute Lower School Counselor
Mid-February to Mid-May 2024
Wilmington Friends School offers a college preparatory curriculum—including athletics, the arts and community service—in which Quaker values and high expectations are mutually supportive. The defining belief of Quakerism is that there is “that of God” in everyone. That belief gives rise to a school community that welcomes a variety of faith traditions and where we share an obligation to seek and answer what is best in ourselves and in others. Students at Friends are challenged to realize their potential: as learners, well prepared to succeed in college and career; as leaders, recognizing their power and opportunity to be agents of change; and as active and responsible members of communities, from the classroom to the world. The school seeks to serve students, age two through grade twelve, who demonstrate ongoing promise in their ability to succeed at Friends, both academically and in meeting expectations for integrity and conduct.
Wilmington Friends School is a Preschool to 12 Quaker, college preparatory, day school located in Wilmington, Delaware and enrolling approximately 740 students. WFS is seeking a long-term substitute lower school counselor from mid-February until mid-May. The School Counselor is a vital member of the Student Support Team and will report to the Head of Lower School, and supports the overall social-emotional health of the lower school students. In this role, the long-term substitute counselor will continue the work of our current lower school counselor with students, faculty, and parents. This will include individual conversations, facilitating small groups, and regular meetings with the student support team. With the support of the student support team, they may also need to identify and respond to the social and emotional needs of students and take the lead with students, teachers, and families in support of student’s social and emotional well-being.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced and effective practitioner with demonstrated expertise in social-emotional wellness and the ability to support elementary age students. The successful candidate will present a positive and helpful attitude, demonstrating sound judgment, good time management, and flexibility in working through complicated situations with varied constituencies. Excellent communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build trust and maintain the highest level of professionalism, and a commitment to confidentiality are essential.
This is long-term sub position. The Lower School Counselor will:
- Provide appropriate short-term crisis management and support in one-on-one and small groups, helping students develop coping strategies, resiliency, and communication skills
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
- Maintain detailed notes and records
- Consult with the Lower School Learning Resources Coordinator to develop medical accommodations for diagnosed mental health needs.
- Collaborate with our middle/upper school counselor
- Consult with and advise families, nursing staff, school administration, and faculty, as appropriate to develop routine care plans and develop a plan of action for students in need of further support
- Serve as a resource to students and their families in need of community-based services, including psychiatric care, mental health evaluations, and specialized treatment
- Meet regularly with the head of the lower school and the student support team
- Lead student groups focused on social skills, emotional regulation skills, self-regulation and self-awareness skills
- Actively participate in the life of the school
- Adhere to the Ethical Standards for School Counselors as outlined by the American School Counselors Association (ASCA)
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Masters or Ph.D in social work, counseling, school counseling or a related field
- Current certification to practice in the state of Delaware
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with students and families
- Demonstrated commitment to culturally competent practice, serving the needs of a diverse and inclusive community with diplomacy and tact
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references electronically to Linda Beard, Administrative Assistant to the Head of Lower School (lbeard@wilmingtonfriends.org). We will be accepting applications until Friday, November 24, 2023.
It is Wilmington Friends School’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, first responder status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. It is the intent and resolve of Wilmington Friends School to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, training, promotion, compensation, termination, and retirement.
