Chatham Hall is excited to begin a search for a School Counselor. Chatham Hall—a girls’ grades 9-12 boarding and day school in southern Virginia—has been a leader in educating girls and preparing them for college since 1894. The School Counselor provides academic, social and emotional support for students through counseling and facilitating referrals for students to local clinicians when needed. This person will collaborate with the Student Life Office to provide wellness programming for students in grades 9-12.
This is a 10-month, full-time position (August-May). Outstanding candidates enjoy working with teenagers and adults in fostering wellness in every dimension of their lives.
At the core of the Chatham Hall experience is our focus on health and wellness. We strive to create balance in the lives of both students and adults.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and support mental health and wellness programs in collaboration with the Director of Counseling Services and the Student and Community Life Office.
- Provide direct services to students through programs, preventative activities, and individual and group counseling that include a variety of approaches from therapeutic to holistic wellness techniques.
- Provide emergency and sustained counseling support to students as needed.
- Proactively identify and address behavior problems that may be interfering with student well-being.
- Participate in the community as an engaged and involved presence, and perform weekend and night responsibilities to support the life of the residential community as assigned.
- Work with colleagues to establish, maintain, and communicate mental health and boundary protocols.
- Conduct faculty, staff, and student training on mental health, wellness, and abuse prevention.
- Proactively communicate with parents regarding student well-being and counseling needs.
- Expand and maintain a network of mental health professionals and refer students and their families to appropriate outside professionals for medical or social services, when necessary.
- Maintain student records, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Conduct individual and small-group advising sessions to assist students with college research, list building, and career exploration.
- Help students organize application materials, review essay drafts for clarity, and navigate application platforms (e.g., Common App, Coalition App).
- Familiar with using SCOIR to track applications, submit transcripts, and generate data reports. Coordinate the timely compilation and submission of secondary school reports, counselor recommendations, and official transcripts to colleges.
- Assist in coordinating standardized testing for PSAT, SAT, ACT and/or AP testing.
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or closely related field
- Appropriate licensure/certification as a counselor, therapist, social worker, or school counselor; resident licensed professionals will be considered and clinical supervision will be provided
- Enthusiasm and commitment to caring for adolescents
- Experience working with families from diverse backgrounds in a school counseling setting
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with members of the School community
- Strong work ethic, generous spirit, and excellent speaking and writing skills
- Applicants with residential boarding school experience and/or independent school experience will be given special consideration.
Chatham Hall seeks candidates who will contribute to and are committed to diversity and multicultural educational practices. Chatham Hall seeks candidates who demonstrate a dedication to working in a diverse community. The school seeks candidates who: communicate effectively with diverse populations, create an inclusive work environment, and will engage in professional development opportunities to further develop inclusive practices.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range is between $65,000-75,000.
The School offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Tuition remission (where applicable)
Equal Employment Opportunity
The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references to Stephanie Tuttle stuttle@chathamhall.org and Tiffany Gray-Williams tgray-williams@chathamhall.org.