About Us
The Siena School is one of the nation’s leading independent schools serving bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia (www.thesienaschool.org). At The Siena School, teachers encourage students' creative expression, incorporate student interest and passions, and develop critical thinking by creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports the learning and personal growth of each student. Siena faculty and staff work collaboratively with students, parents, and professionals to create a nurturing but rigorous learning environment. We know our children well and engage them on a daily basis in exciting, intellectual dialogue. Through individualized, multisensory instruction, students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners. A positive learning experience inspires our students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Job Summary
The Siena School in Northern Virginia seeks a culturally competent, caring, and experienced school counselor to join a dynamic and creative team. As a school committed to academic excellence, educational innovation, and social justice, the School Counselor will serve as a key member of the Guidance Team in supporting the social-emotional well-being of all students. The School Counselor is responsible for designing and delivering social-emotional learning through classroom lessons, school-wide initiatives, consultation with staff, and parent workshops. The Counselor will also meet with students in individual and small group settings. This position will be Full Time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Policies and Record-keeping
With administration, creates and maintains policies for the counseling department 
Creates and maintains confidential records 

Counseling Support 
The counselor serves as the main mental wellness liaison for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and outside clinicians 
Meets regularly with the Head of School and other members of the Guidance Team to communicate student progress and/or concerns
Serves as a resource for parents, faculty, and administration in addressing concerns pertaining to students
Provides support for the community in response to crisis situations
Provides 1:1 counseling support to students on a short-term and drop-in basis 
Makes appropriate referrals to families for specialized support services 
Provides crisis intervention and assessment as needed
Actively engages and supports the School’s commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community
Runs ongoing groups for students on issues related to social-emotional and mental wellness (i.e. friendship, stress management,  etc.) 
Partners with teachers to develop strategies for specific students and conduct student observations as necessary
Provides consultation to teachers and other school personnel regarding student needs and supports 
Consults with outside therapists to support individual students and families

Programming 
Develops and implements schoolwide programming on topics related to social-emotional and mental health 
Creates and co-leads a health curriculum that addresses social-emotional well-being, drugs, alcohol, body image, sexual education, anxiety, wellness, and other relevant topics 
Provides professional development to staff about topics of mental health and social-emotional wellbeing
Organizes and facilitates regular discussions with parents around pertinent topics
Develops programming that responds to the needs of the school community

Other Duties
Support the school’s mission and culture, promoting a positive, inclusive school climate
Through a restorative justice lens, support student adherence to school expectations
Establish and maintain good relationships with varying stakeholders
Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with families
Communicate with faculty and staff at the other campuses as needed
Engage in duties as assigned
Attend weekly campus and cross-campus meetings
Attend after school events as needed
Engage with stakeholders via Zoom in synchronous and asynchronous models as needed
Other duties as assigned 

Essential Skills and Qualification 
Professional Mental Health/Counseling or School Counseling Degree
Professional mental health license
Experience and comfort with working in a diverse environment
Experience working with a variety of age groups from elementary through high school
Ability to work with a dynamic and engaging staff and school community
Ability to effectively listen, respond, and present information to students, parents/guardians, faculty and staff.
Ability to take initiative and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain sensitive information in the strictest of confidence, exercising absolute discretion and professionalism
Knowledge of child and adolescent development 
Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills to work effectively as a team player

Please note that COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to work at The Siena School.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the school. 

About The Siena School

The Siena School (www.thesienaschool.org) has two campuses, one in Oakton, VA, which opened in fall, 2021, and one in Silver Spring, Maryland, which is in its 17th year. Both campuses are experiencing expanding enrollment. The Siena School has become a national leader in educating bright, college-bound students with mild to moderate language-based learning differences. Siena enrolls approximately 40% students of color. The school focuses on the professional development of its staff who are regularly published and have presented at national and international conferences, including the NAIS Annual Conference. Siena is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices, and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply. The Siena School is committed to equitable hiring practices, and enthusiastically encourages professionals of all backgrounds to apply.

Connections working at The Siena School