Job Description:
Reporting to the Principal, the school counselor provides a safe, accepting, non-judgmental space for students to discuss personal and academic issues and helps to build a culture of health and wellness at school. The Counselor provides short-term counseling services to students in times of crisis to support their social and emotional health at school and organizes and facilitates small group discussions for students. 
 
In collaboration with an interdisciplinary student support team, the school counselor works to address the social, emotional and academic needs of specific students.  As an advocate for students’ mental health and education needs, the school counselor works to support student access to treatment, and helps to create and maintain an emotionally healthy, productive, and safe school community.  He or she will embrace the school’s mission and enjoy working within a team setting of shared ideas and constructive feedback in a collaborative manner. 
 
Key Responsibilities 

• Partner with the administrative team to integrate the Catholic faith and culture and in promoting the values of the Sisters of Saint Casimir into the school’s entire program. 

• Provide culturally competent short-term and/or group counseling to students grades 9-12 consulting and collaborating with parents and outside treatment providers. 

• Collaborate to proactively implement interventions and programs to help students achieve success at school.  

• Provide referral to and serve as liaison between the school and outside agencies and clinicians as needed to support students. 

• Build relationships with families that support students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. 

• Inform the Principal of serious, disruptive, or potentially harmful student issues. 

• Collaborate on mental health and wellness programs for students and parents. 

• Facilitate crisis responses in urgent student or community mental health situations. 

• Consult regularly with teachers about student mental health needs and participate in student support team meetings. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to working with culturally diverse students, families, and colleagues and contributing to building and maintaining an inclusive community. 

• Assist students with course selection and familiarity with the college admissions process. 

• Commitment to ongoing professional development. 

• Other duties as assigned by the principal. 

Qualifications 

• A Master’s Degree in school counseling and at least 5 years of experience working in a similar role. 

• Preference for PA state licensure and LPC 

• Experience or prior work in Catholic independent, girls’ schools.  

• A professional, collaborative, team-oriented style with empathy, flexibility, and patience. 

• Knowledge and experience providing culturally responsive treatment.  

• Strong knowledge of ethical and legal considerations related to counseling practices. 

• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a wide range of constituencies. 

• Personal characteristics necessary for the position include: A genuine appreciation of and respect for teenage girls; energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence; sense of curiosity and love of learning. 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Valerie Prucnal, Principal (vprucnal@vjmhs.org). 

Compensation/Requirements 

A competitive compensation package is provided based on experience and education. Must have the following clearances completed. All clearances will be reviewed prior to executing a contract.  

• Pennsylvania Request for Criminal Record Check (Act 34)  

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance History (Act 151)  

• Pennsylvania Fingerprinting Services