Upper School Counselor

Starting 2021

Kingswood Oxford is seeking a passionate, innovative, and collaborative individual who models a growth mindset to serve as Upper School Counselor. The school counselor promotes and enhances the overall academic mission of the School by providing services that strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning. The school counselor contributes to the development of a healthy, safe and caring environment by advancing the understanding of child development and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student successes and by implementing effective intervention strategies. The school counselor meets with students individually and in groups to address concerns and makes recommendations for additional services as necessary. Candidates should also embrace involvement in the community, promote student engagement and empowerment, seek ongoing professional development, and value authentic collaboration with other faculty and staff to advance the school’s mission and strategic vision. The school counselor reports to the Head of the US and works closely with the US Dean of Students, the Middle School counselor, and the consulting psychologist.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Counsel, support, and advise US students;
• Run support groups for US students as needed;
• Reach out to new and continuing students, to introduce them to the availability of individual counseling;
• Serve as a member of the US Wellness Team;
• Collaborate with the US Dean of Students, the MS Dean of Students, and the MS Counselor to design, regularly revise, and teach (in part) a 6-12 VQV program focused on student self-awareness, mental health, anti-discrimination, anti-bullying, and online citizenship.
• Collaborate with MS Counselor and US Wellness Team to create programs that improve school climate and promote emotional health and wellness;
• Provide assistance to teachers and parents to improve student wellness;
• Work as a liaison between outside mental health professionals and the School to ensure optimal student functioning and support, including an effective referral and follow-up process as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Upper School Head.

Located in West Hartford, Conn., Kingswood Oxford is a coeducational, independent day school for motivated students in grades 6-12.  KO actively seeks to attract and welcome a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff, including differences in race, color, religion, nationality or ethnic origin, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.  At KO we believe that a diversity of ideas and perspectives enriches our community and improves our understanding.  We continually work to increase equity and access within our learning community and seek candidates who are similarly committed to this work. If you would like to join us in this work, we welcome your application.

More information can be found at https://www.kingswoodoxford.org/

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to jobopenings@kingswoodoxford.org.