Upper School Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION.

Second Baptist School is currently seeking a full-time UPPER SCHOOL COUNSELOR for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Position Title: Upper School Counselor
• Reports To: Head of Upper School
• Work Calendar: Eleven Month

JOB SUMMARY.

The upper school counselor fosters an environment for the spiritual, social, and emotional needs and growth of students. The counselor contributes to the academic progress and experiences of students and cultivates good relationships with parents. To perform this job successfully, candidates must:

• Have a strong desire to be part of the upper school leadership team at Second Baptist School, a Christian college-preparatory school and a ministry of Second Baptist Church.
• Be a knowledgeable school counselor with at least three years of experience in school counseling. Christian, upper school or independent school experience is a plus.
• Hold a school counselor certification; licensed professional counselor certification is considered a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES.

Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:

• Care for the spiritual, social and emotional well-being of upper school students.
• Adhere to all confidentiality and ethical educational standards.
• Counsel individual students and parents for academic progress and support needs.
• Serve as the liaison for school and family meetings regarding the daily academic experience.
• Lead and plan large-group student advisory sessions.
• Schedule individual 4-year plan meetings with all new and rising students and families.
• Ensure all students meet academic requirements for graduation.
• Partner with the Office of College Guidance, making sound course recommendations for students as needed.
• Participate in the creation and oversight of student course schedules, including building the master schedule.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the needs of learners, including students with learning differences.
• Work in collaboration with the student support services coordinator to serve students and families.
• Coordinate make-up work plans with students due to absences.
• Maintain the student testing calendar.
• Maintain a list of approved on-campus tutors to recommend to families as needed or requested.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of counseling students in crisis situations. The counselor must show experience and discernment in making sound, ethical recommendations.
• Assist with the plans and execution of student retreats.
• Plan and execute the annual Upper School Honors Night event.
• Partner with counselors in other divisions to assess and provide input on student social and emotional needs across the organization.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED.

To perform this job successfully, candidates must have:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with parents and other departments of the school.
• Skill in organizing resources, establishing priorities and performing complex tasks while managing multiple projects.
• Strong multitasking skills and the ability to problem-solve and meet tight deadlines.
• An appreciation for, and understanding of, Second Baptist School’s mission, policies, procedures and philosophy.

CANDIDATE SUMMARY.

We seek the following in qualified candidates:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; a master’s degree is required.
• A strong Christian testimony and a calling to serve as a positive Christian role model to our students.
• A heart to provide exceptional customer service to all members of the community.
• A desire to lead and support all school-wide initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Responsible stewardship of the school’s resources and a personal commitment to support the school’s fundraising efforts as able.
• A strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• The ability to communicate SBS’s passion, mission, and core values and lead others in the fulfillment of these areas.

Advanced Placement training/experience, independent school teaching, and prior knowledge of Second Baptist Church and School are all considered a plus.