Upper School Counselor

(10 month, exempt, faculty position)

The mission of Harpeth Hall is to educate young women to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably. To fully realize that mission, Harpeth Hall is committed to creating an environment in which every member of its community is seen, heard, and valued. An emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to this endeavor, and successful candidates must bring an authentic commitment to cultural competence.

Harpeth Hall seeks a dynamic, innovative, and culturally-responsive professional to serve as Upper School Counselor. The ideal candidate will have experience in a school setting, demonstrate classroom teaching skills, and possess an enthusiasm and commitment to working with adolescent girls. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have skills in collaborating with teachers and consulting with parents in an academic setting.  Harpeth Hall is committed to an inclusive program, and candidates with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, or inclusion work are especially encouraged to apply. A master’s degree in counseling or related field is required.

The mission of Harpeth Hall’s Counseling Department is to be a catalyst for the growth and development of all the school’s students, particularly in the realm of emotional, social, and behavioral health. In addition, the counseling team considers support of the faculty, administration and parent body to be essential to the overall well-being of the Harpeth Hall community and in turn for maximum development of its students.  In accord with the school’s history of excellence in educating young women, the counseling team believes its mission includes modeling excellence in every lesson taught and every counselor/student interaction. By promoting the development of self-knowledge, wellness, resiliency, and empathy in each young woman, the counseling team prepares students for meaningful higher education and responsible, productive lives.

This position begins in August of 2021. Candidates should complete an online application and submit a letter of interest, resume, references, and a statement of educational philosophy.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Teaching Upper School Life Balance classes
• Organizing speaker series for juniors and seniors
• Counseling students individually and in groups throughout the year
• Attending Grade Level Advisor Lunch Meetings
• Being an active member of the Student Support Team
• Attending Counseling Department Meetings
• Assisting with New Student Orientations for the Upper School in August
• Communicating and consulting effectively with parents via individual meetings, grade level parent meetings, and written correspondence
• Presenting at Grade Level Parent Nights
• Collaborating with teachers and administrators on student issues
• Organizing the Upper School’s annual Wellness Day
• Assisting Counseling Team with Advisory placements in the summer months (beginning summer of 2021)
• Developing learning opportunities for teachers to better understand how to support students in various situations
• Participating in counseling professional development each year