Charlottesville, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Suffolk, Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Henrico - Glen Allen area, Virginia
Posted: 25-Jun-25
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Type: Full Time
Salary: $75,000 - $90,000
Categories:
Are you a passionate educator looking to make a real difference? Do you enjoy building meaningful relationships with students and colleagues? Are you looking for an opportunity to contribute to a strong, purposeful, and connected community?
The Siena School is seeking 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.
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). We foster a student-centered environment that encourages creative expression, critical thinking, and individualized learning. At Siena, teachers and staff collaborate with students, families, and professionals to provide a nurturing yet challenging environment where students grow academically, socially, and personally. Through multisensory instruction, we empower students to develop the skills and confidence they need to become independent learners and engaged citizens.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Counseling Support
- Mental Wellness Liaison: Serve as the primary mental wellness resource for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and outside clinicians.
- Student Support and Crisis Intervention: Provide one-on-one counseling support to students on a situational or drop-in basis, with appropriate referrals for specialized support services as needed. Provide small-group student sessions on topics such as friendship, stress management, and mental wellness. Respond to crises and provide necessary intervention and assessment to ensure the well-being of students.
- Faculty Support: Collaborate with faculty to develop strategies and offer observations for supporting students with social-emotional needs. Provide professional development on mental health and social-emotional well-being, supporting a healthy, inclusive school culture.
- Family Support and Parent Education: Work with outside therapists and clinicians to support individual students and families. Facilitate workshops and discussions for parents on student wellness, mental health, and coping strategies. Provide family information and resources.
- Program Development and Curriculum Support: Design and implement school-wide programs addressing mental health topics, including social-emotional learning, executive functioning skills, anxiety, wellness, body image, and more. Create and co-lead a health curriculum that addresses social-emotional wellbeing, drugs, alcohol, body image, sexual education, anxiety, wellness, and other relevant topics.
Additional Responsibilities
- School Culture & Climate: Support the school’s mission by promoting a positive, inclusive school climate through activities, counseling, and student engagement.
Collaboration & Communication: Foster positive relationships with students, parents, faculty, and staff, and maintain clear and effective communication regarding events, student progress, and well-being.
Salary and Benefits: $75,000 - $90,000 depending on experience.
Benefits: Benefits include comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, and vision coverage); short-term and long-term disability coverage, including optional life insurance; 401(K) retirement plan with employer contributions; paid leave including holidays, parental, bereavement, and sick leave; SmartBenefits (for Metro transportation); tuition remission for eligible employees; sponsored professional development; discounted facility rentals and free parking.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@thesienaschool.org. No phone inquiries, please.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Professional degree in Mental Health/Counseling or School Counseling.
- Active professional mental health license.
- Ability to maintain sensitive information in the strictest of confidence, exercising absolute discretion and professionalism.
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development, social-emotional learning needs and related curriculum resources.
- Experience working in a diverse environment and with various age groups (elementary through high school).
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students to create a positive and supportive school environment.
- Commitment to social justice, community engagement, and student well-being.
- Creativity, flexibility, and a student-centered mindset.
Physical Requirements: Moderate physical work is required for this position, including frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and reaching. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push or pull equipment/boxes that weigh up to 10 pounds. Must be able to speak clearly and understand the speech of others.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification forms upon hire.