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). At The Siena School, teachers encourage students' creative expression, incorporate student interest and passions, and develop critical thinking by creating a vibrant, student-centered environment that supports the learning and personal growth of each student. Siena faculty and staff work collaboratively with students, parents, and professionals to create a nurturing but rigorous learning environment. We know our children well and engage them on a daily basis in exciting, intellectual dialogue. Through individualized, multisensory instruction, students develop critical thinking skills and acquire the tools and strategies needed to become successful and independent learners. A positive learning experience inspires our students to have confidence in themselves and their abilities.

Job Summary

The Siena School in Northern Virginia seeks 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. This position will be part-time, 10-15 hours per week, with opportunities to expand as the school grows.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Policies and Record-keeping

• With administration, creates and maintains policies for the counseling department
• Creates and maintains confidential records

Counseling Support

• The counselor serves as the main mental wellness liaison for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and outside clinicians
• Meets regularly with the Head of School and other members of the Guidance Team to communicate student progress and/or concerns
• Serves as a resource for parents, faculty, and administration in addressing concerns pertaining to students
• Provides support for the community in response to crisis situations
• Provides 1:1 counseling support to students on a short-term and drop-in basis
• Makes appropriate referrals to families for specialized support services
• Provides crisis intervention and assessment as needed
• Actively engages and supports the School’s commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community
• Runs ongoing groups for students on issues related to social-emotional and mental wellness (i.e. friendship, stress management, etc.)
• Partners with teachers to develop strategies for specific students and conduct student observations as necessary
• Provides consultation to teachers and other school personnel regarding student needs and supports
• Consults with outside therapists to support individual students and families

Programming

• Develops and implements schoolwide programming on topics related to social-emotional and mental health
• Creates and co-leads a health curriculum that addresses social-emotional well-being, drugs, alcohol, body image, sexual education, anxiety, wellness, and other relevant topics
• Provides professional development to staff about topics of mental health and social-emotional wellbeing
• Organizes and facilitates regular discussions with parents around pertinent topics
• Develops programming that responds to the needs of the school community

Other Duties

• Support the school’s mission and culture, promoting a positive, inclusive school climate
• Through a restorative justice lens, support student adherence to school expectations
• Establish and maintain good relationships with varying stakeholders
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with families
• Communicate with faculty and staff at the other campuses as needed
• Engage in duties as assigned
• Attend weekly campus and cross-campus meetings
• Attend after school events as needed
• Engage with stakeholders via Zoom in synchronous and asynchronous models as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Skills and Qualification

• Professional Mental Health/Counseling or School Counseling Degree
• Professional mental health license
• Experience and comfort with working in a diverse environment
• Experience working with a variety of age groups from elementary through high school
• Ability to work with a dynamic and engaging staff and school community
• Ability to effectively listen, respond, and present information to students, parents/guardians, faculty and staff.
• Ability to take initiative and demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain sensitive information in the strictest of confidence, exercising absolute discretion and professionalism
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills to work effectively as a team player

Please note that COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement to work at The Siena School.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the school.

Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@thesienaschool.org.

Additional Salary Information: The position includes a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and benefits package including but not limited to: health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.