VACANCIES
Lower School Counselor
Trinity School seeks a Lower School Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year.
Trinity's School Counselor program takes a holistic view of mental health, desiring that our students mature into emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually healthy adults with an understanding of the person that God created them to be. Our counseling program looks different across the various schools of Trinity, as students need changes through the course of development. The Lower School Counselor will work closely with the Counseling team and Student Support services to take the lead with the counseling needs of Lower School Students.
Our ideal Lower School Counselor will:
- Be responsible for managing, developing, implementing, and evaluating a Lower School counseling program within the framework of Trinity’s mission that will serve as a foundation for Middle and Upper School.
- Provide direct services for students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom setting.
- Conduct crisis intervention through administration of student risk assessment, parent communication, teacher consultations, and outside referral if needed.
- Consult and advocate for students' well being with teachers, parents, staff, and other mental health professionals as needed.
- Educate students, parents, and faculty on best practices and skills for growing into healthy integrated adults. Lessons may include but are not limited to the following: character education, social skills, emotional regulation, stress and anxiety, individual student planning, and emotional development.
- Provide professional development for faculty on topics relating to students’ social and emotional issues, sometimes in collaboration with other staff.
- Develop and deliver developmentally appropriate and prevention-oriented curriculum/lesson plans that aligns with student’s social, emotional, and academic development.
- Conduct periodic needs assessments to determine the key needs of students that can be met through the comprehensive school counseling program.
- Remain informed of current research in effective practices regarding school counseling programs and as a lifelong learner being ever willing to improve one’s craft through meaningful professional development.
- Maintain current and appropriate resources and records.
- Make Child Protective Services reports for mandated situations and provides consultation to Division Directors and involved faculty during such situations.
- Maintain confidentiality of student information and disseminate only need-to-know student information to Division Directors and necessary deans and teachers.
- Attend grade level meetings and parent-teacher conferences as needed.
- Identify gaps in students’ social and emotional development and curriculum, and consult and collaborate with faculty, administrators, parents, and other educational/community resources to address identified concerns and needs.
- Collaborate with the School Nurse, the Director of Institutional Equity, Lower School Division Director, Student Learning and Support Services, and other major stakeholders on a regular basis for the improvement of the Lower School as well as an integrating voice for the macro development of the whole school.
- Adhere to the ethical standards of the counseling profession and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern schools.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor or headmaster that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in counseling.
- Experience counseling in a school setting is preferred.
- Current North Carolina School Counseling License.
- A mature Christian faith along with the desire to provide school counseling within the framework of Trinity’s mission.
- A reasonably deep and sophisticated understanding of the Bible and Christian theology, so as to be able to weave the stories of our students into the Story of the Bible (creation, fall, redemption, glory).
- A strong alliance with evangelical and orthodox Christian faith, and a commitment to living this out in an ecumenical setting among a student body that is a mix of believers and unbelievers.
- Ability to create a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where students feel welcome to share their feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and doubts in order to cope with life’s difficulties.
- Is proactive and initiates with students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and communication skills.
- Excellent skills in organization, managing details, and the ability to keep concise records.
- Commitment to adhere to ethical principles, confidentiality, integrity, and trustworthiness in all areas.
- Sensitivity to the developmental stages and well-being of students of all ages, grades TK-12.
To be considered, qualified candidates should attach a cover letter, resume, and any other supporting documents, such as college transcripts and certifications, to their Trinity application.