Lower School Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION.

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

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

JOB SUMMARY.

The lower school counselor cultivates a positive environment for the spiritual, social-emotional, and academic growth of students. The counselor meets periodically with students and teachers concerning student well-being. The counselor fosters relationships with parents and provides coaching if/as needed. The counselor serves as a liaison between the school and parents regarding academic student support.

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 lower school students.
• Schedule ongoing classroom lessons on social-emotional health.
• 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.
• Work with division-level administrators in planning and drafting class rosters.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the needs of learners, including students with learning differences.
• Work with the student support services coordinator to support students and families.
• Recommend SBS-approved on-campus tutors and therapists to families as needed or requested.
• Schedule approved on-campus therapists to provide services for lower school students at appropriate times during the school day.
• Possess an in-depth understanding of counseling students in crises.
• Demonstrate experience and discernment in making sound, ethical recommendations and decisions.
• Partner with counselors in other divisions to assess and provide input on student social and emotional needs across the organization.
• Plan parenting workshops/seminars with other division levels.
• Co-lead division faculty meetings.
• Co-sponsor fourth-grade student council.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES REQUIRED.

To perform this job successfully, candidates must have:

• A strong desire to be part of the lower school leadership team at Second Baptist School, a Christian college-preparatory school and a ministry of Second Baptist Church.
• A school counselor certification and/or a licensed professional counselor certification.
• At least three years of experience; Christian and/or independent lower school experience is a plus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Skill in organizing resources, establishing priorities, and performing complex tasks while managing multiple projects.
• 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.
• Lower school classroom experience.
• A strong Christian testimony and a calling to serve as a positive Christian role model to our students, families and colleagues.
• 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.
• A strong work ethic and organizational skills.
• The ability to communicate the school’s passion, mission, and core values and lead others in the fulfillment of these areas.
• Responsible stewardship of the school’s resources and a personal commitment to support the school’s fundraising efforts as able.