Social Worker, Counselor

Job Description

The Middle School Social Worker / Counselor supports the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual development of students in grades 6-8. Rooted in the Catholic mission of the school, this individual promotes a safe, supportive, and faith-filled learning environment where each student is recognized as a unique child of God.

The position provides individual and small-group counseling, student intervention, parent consultation, staff collaboration, crisis support, and referrals to community resources. The counselor partners with families, teachers, administrators, and outside professionals to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence and reach their full potential.

Essential Responsibilities

Student Support and Counseling

Provide individual counseling and small-group support for students experiencing anxiety, stress, friendship conflicts, grief, family changes, bullying, and emotional or behavioral challenges.
Support students in developing healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and positive decision-making skills.
Identify students who may benefit from additional support and develop appropriate intervention plans.
Provide age-appropriate lessons or presentations on social-emotional wellness, peer relationships, digital citizenship, and responsible behavior.
Assist with conflict mediation, restorative practices, and reintegration following disciplinary or behavioral incidents.
Family and Staff Collaboration

Communicate and collaborate with parents and guardians regarding student concerns, progress, and support strategies.
Consult with teachers and administrators to identify student needs and develop consistent approaches to support.
Connect families with community mental health providers, family services, and other appropriate resources.
Participate in student support meetings, intervention planning, and appropriate multidisciplinary collaboration.
Student Safety and Crisis Response

Respond to student emotional distress, concerning behaviors, and urgent student support needs.
Follow established school procedures for suicide-risk concerns, suspected abuse or neglect, threats of harm, and other safety issues.
Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with applicable laws, professional ethics, and school policies.
Understand and follow mandatory reporting requirements and student confidentiality guidelines.
Catholic Mission and School Culture

Support the school's Catholic identity by treating each student with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Promote a culture of kindness, belonging, forgiveness, responsibility, and service.
Collaborate with school leadership and pastoral staff when appropriate to support students and families.
Respect the role of faith, prayer, and Catholic teaching in the life of the school while recognizing the distinct professional responsibilities of counseling.
Program Development and Evaluation

Help establish a proactive student support program rather than relying solely on referrals after problems arise.
Identify trends in student needs and recommend preventive programming.
Maintain appropriate documentation, referral processes, and follow-up procedures.
Evaluate program effectiveness and communicate relevant outcomes to school leadership while protecting student confidentiality.
Qualifications

Master's degree in Social Work, School Counseling, Counseling, or a closely related field.
Appropriate Michigan licensure or school credential for the services provided.
Experience working with middle school students preferred.
Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, conflict resolution, and mental health referral procedures.
Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Commitment to the mission, values, and Catholic identity of the school.
Satisfactory completion of required background checks and school safety requirements.
Preferred Experience

Experience in a Catholic school or faith-based educational setting.
Experience supporting students with anxiety, peer conflict, behavioral concerns, family stressors, and attendance challenges.
Familiarity with community mental health resources and school-based intervention practices.

About the Employer

Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) is a parochial school system serving just over 1,000 students in the Traverse City, Michigan area. It is a ministry of five local parishes - Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, St. Francis, St. Joseph and St. Patrick and the Diocese of Gaylord.

MISSION STATEMENT
Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools are dedicated to providing a Catholic education ensuring educational quality for all families willing to enter into a partnership to develop each child to his or her fullest spiritual and academic potential.