Job Description

Title School Counselor

Supervises: N/A

Reports to: Grade School Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

When Needed: July 1, 2024 FTE: .5 - 1.0

FTE, Academic Year

Seattle Waldorf School is seeking an experienced school counselor to join our education support team. We seek a qualified professional with expertise in either child and adolescent social work, school counseling, or school psychology to join our independent school community. The ideal candidate will have the skills to screen for potential behavioral issues that may need external intervention and provide guidance to families dealing with parenting challenges. A basic understanding of Waldorf education and a willingness to embrace our methodology will be advantageous for long-term success at our school. Salary is competitive with independent schools. Seattle Waldorf School offers an excellent benefits package, opportunities for professional development, and an engaging work environment.

Who We Are:

At Seattle Waldorf School, students become creative problem-solvers—imaginative thinkers who journey toward intellectual excellence, human compassion, and artistic skill. Our modern curriculum is rooted in tradition—for children 18 months to 14 years. We lead students on a joyful journey that fosters critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity.

Our Mission: Daily we strive to inspire learning, courage, and joy in the developing human being.

Responsibilities

School Wide: 

• Serve as a key representative of the EC-8 student support department, effectively communicating its philosophy, vision, and programs to colleagues, students, caregivers, and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between Department directors, the Head of School, faculty, parents, and students, ensuring cohesive support and collaboration.
• Consult with administration, including the Student Support Team, to develop strategies for addressing disciplinary matters involving students with behavioral or emotional challenges.
• Take a leadership role in initiatives supporting positive mental health and in designing programs that meet the needs of students, families, and faculty, to include Social Emotional programming. 
• Provide support for crisis assessment and response.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Student Support Team:

• Collaborates with Student support, EC & Grades directors, and teachers to provide an equitable and holistic support model.
• Establishes and maintains connections with external providers and manages individual crisis interventions.
• Oversees the development and delivery of a social-emotional learning curriculum, including teaching lessons within this curriculum.
• Plans and delivers programs for faculty & parents on topics such as social and emotional well-being, learning, and mental health, in collaboration with student support and school director. 

Teacher Support & Capacity Building:

• Acts as a resource and educator for all teachers and administrators from the perspective of clinical psychology.
• Collaborates with teachers to address classroom behaviors and needs, responding both proactively and responsively.
• Tackles psychosocial issues in the classroom, such as assisting teachers in managing peer conflicts, and develops relevant lessons in response to emerging situations.
• Supports teachers in implementing behavior plans effectively.
• Identifies individual, classroom, and grade-wide social and emotional needs through observation, addressing specific trends to design appropriate interventions and supports.

Family/Student Support:

• Builds deep relationships with students, families, and faculty, fostering a community of belonging.
• Understands child development and promotes student wellness, linking emotional health with intellectual well-being.
• Applies cultural competencies in interactions with students, faculty, families, and in curriculum development.
• Continuously examines personal biases regarding student diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Guides and supports parents on child development and mental health issues.
• Identifies and addresses developmental, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral needs of students in Grades EC-8, collaborating with faculty to meet these needs.
• Utilizes evidence-based practices and research to support the social-emotional health and wellness of all children (EC-Grade 8).
• Meets with individual students short-term (2-3 sessions) to assess the need for external referrals for long-term therapeutic work.
• Leads small-group sessions for students with identified needs.
• Provides short-term (2-3 sessions), culturally responsive consultations to families, and plans next steps for children with behavioral or emotional difficulties.
• Serves as a consultant and liaison among students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
• Offers parent workshops and faculty training on child development and social-emotional learning.
• Consults with teachers to deepen their understanding of individual students' behavioral and emotional issues.
• Recognizes the importance of integrating SEL in all aspects of school life, supporting students through classroom teaching, small group sessions, and one-on-one meetings as needed.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Psychology or Social Work, with appropriate certifications, preferred licensure in Washington State
• A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an appreciation for diverse student life experiences, family structures, and individual temperaments.
• Experience in a Waldorf school preferred
• Demonstrates strong organizational and planning skills, flexibility, and the ability to execute tasks independently.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively across various groups and constituencies.
• Maintains confidentiality and shares clinical insights and perspectives with faculty, administrators, families, and students responsibly.
• Maintains records and documentation consistent with confidentiality.
• Leads with enthusiasm, kindness, and a sense of humor.
• Finds joy in working with children and actively participating in school life.

Salary Range: Please see the SWS Faculty Salary Scale to see range based on education and years of experience

Benefits: Please see our Benefits Summary which outlines the generous insurance, leave, and other benefits provided for SWS Faculty

To Apply: Interested candidates should respond immediately by email to careers@seattlewaldorf.org with a letter of interest, resume, and employment application , available on the school website at:

Thank you for your interest in Seattle Waldorf School and this position. Position open until filled.

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