High School School Counselor

Job Description

School Counselor

Mission: Since its founding in 1892 by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, the mission of Mount St. Dominic Academy has been to empower young women to pursue the truth and live in charity.

About the Position: Mount St. Dominic Academy is seeking a compassionate, faith-filled, and collaborative full-time school counselor to serve young women in grades 9-12. Reporting to the Director of School Counseling, the school counselor plays a vital role in supporting the social, academic, and personal flourishing of all students and serves as an integral member of the Mount's school counseling team. The school counselor will embrace a Catholic anthropology of the human person and integrate the Mount's Dominican charism as the foundation of all counseling and character development.

Responsibilities:

Individual Mentorship & Counseling
Meet regularly with students one-to-one to oversee personal, social, and cognitive development, address social-emotional concerns, and provide a holistic support system.
Coordinate with the Director of School Counseling regarding the concerns of students who are not acclimating well or achieving academic success.
Act as a first responder for acute emotional needs, family crises, or mental health emergencies.
Provide goal-oriented, structured interventions for students experiencing heightened stress, critical transitions, behavioral issues, or social/emotional challenges.

Academic Guidance
Monitor students' academic performance and learning styles to guide them through course selections and ensure they are meeting graduation requirements.
Work with students and families in approving academic accommodations and class changes.
Facilitate the freshman and transfer transition process.
Support students through the academic scheduling process each year to ensure all requirements are met and that students are positioned for acceptance into competitive colleges and universities.
Assist students with educational planning, vocational discernment, testing coordination, and transitions to high school.
Collaborate closely with administration, faculty, and parents in promoting student success.
Maintain appropriate documentation and confidentiality in accordance with school policies.
Collaborate with the College Counseling team in supporting students in the college application process.

Programming & Advisory
Collaborate with the Director of School Counseling in the coordination of special programs in support of school climate and culture, career and college readiness, and other areas.
Under the guidance and direction of the Director of School Counseling, development and implement proactive, developmentally responsive guidance programs covering stress management, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
Serve as a resource for parents, faculty, and administration to holistically support student needs.

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

Personal commitment to the mission of Mount St. Dominic Academy
An understanding of and enthusiasm for Catholic liberal education and Catholic culture
A love for the intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Dominican Order and an ability to communicate the beauty of the Catholic faith
Bachelor's and Master's degrees required
Educational background in School Counseling, Clinical Social Work, or School Psychology preferred
Strong understanding of child development and best practices in supporting diverse learners
A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a school counselor or related field
Must demonstrate personal self-discipline, be adaptable and flexible in routine and unexpected situations, and use excellent judgment in daily encounters
Excellent problem-solving skills
Intellectual curiosity and commitment to continuous learning
Confidence to advocate for new ideas, balanced with humility and openness to feedback
Strong organizational skills, effective prioritization, and attention to detail
A sense of humor, enthusiasm for school life, and genuine joy in serving the Mount community

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000.

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to Juliette Picciano at jpicciano@msdacademy.org.

About the Employer

Mount St. Dominic Academy, established by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell in 1892, is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. We are dedicated to the education of young women from a variety of ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds.

The Mount community is committed to seeking the Truth in all aspects of life. The students are able to realize their individual gifts and talents in an atmosphere that fosters academic excellence, respect for diversity, appreciation for the gifts of creation, moral integrity and a heritage rich in Christ-centered values.