Commonwealth School, an independent day school for grades 9-12 that occupies two brownstones in Boston’s Back Bay, is known for its rigorous academics, low (5:1) student-teacher ratio, and strong program in the arts. In the warmth of a small yet richly varied community of engaged students and passionate teachers, talents and curiosity generate excitement, laughter, and respect among students, faculty, and staff. We work closely and collaboratively with each other in our cozy space, and we make extensive use of Boston’s many resources.

Our mission is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, and responsible leadership. In keeping with our mission, our teachers challenge and support students as they develop the skills that will encourage their lifelong love of learning.

Detailed information about the school is available on our website.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We seek a part-time (20-25 hours per week) high school mental health counselor.

The School Mental Health Counselor is a vital member of our Student Life Team, which supports students’ academic work and their overall social-emotional development. The Counselor provides mostly short-term individual support for students navigating personal challenges inside and outside of school, and is a visible, accessible presence in the building for students who may be reluctant to seek guidance. The Counselor has an understanding of and experience in assisting students with different learning profiles to fully access a rigorous curriculum. The Counselor provides referrals for students and families needing longer-term support and contributes to broader, school-wide initiatives related to mental health, social-emotional well-being, and belonging. In some years, the Counselor may offer an elective course in psychology.

Essential Functions

• Provide triage care for emerging and ongoing emotional health issues and make referrals to outside clinicians for assessment and treatment planning
• Collaborate closely with members of the Student Life Team
• Provide short-term, school-based counseling for students as needed
• Coordinate with families and external mental health providers to guide school-based intervention and support
• Provide consultation and education regarding adolescent mental health, learning, and developmental issues for students, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians
• Design programming regarding social-emotional development and health in structured and semi-structured settings for students, families, and faculty/staff
• Serve as a resource for advisors regarding individual student issues, family matters, and health-related programmatic modifications
• Support school-based initiatives and programming related to wellness and community engagement as assigned by the Dean of Students, Assistant Head of School, and Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
• Work closely with the Dean of Students in creating student learning plans based on neuropsychological test data and attend learning accommodation plan meetings with faculty
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of students in the Peer Advocate Program
• Teach on topics related to mental health and wellness in in our Ninth Grade Seminar
• Attend weekly faculty-staff meetings
• Attend our twice-yearly, all-school retreat
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean of Students or Assistant Head of School, occasionally after school hours

The annual (ten-month school year) salary for this position is based on relevant experience (range $31,000–$44,000). A generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance. In addition, the school encourages and supports professional development, including funding for workshops and other programs. We offer personalized and sustained onboarding, including working closely with the Dean of Students and our Student Life Team.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Strong candidates will demonstrate interest in working with a diverse population of adolescents and their families in a school setting, as well as a commitment to equity and inclusion and community building. They will also show a keen interest in collaborating with colleagues while mentoring young people.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher
• Current, active license in Massachusetts (Psy.D./Ph.D., LICSW or LMHC)
• At least 1-3 years of experience in a counseling setting, preferably in a school
• Demonstrated interest and motivation in being fully integrated into student life
• Demonstrated skill in providing culturally competent and clinically sound support to students and families
• Training in learning differences and academic accommodations
• Excellent communication, listening, mediation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail and ability to multitask and prioritize
• Ability to make sound decisions and act with the highest ethical standards, appropriate boundaries, discretion, and sound judgment
• Understanding of mandated reporting laws in Massachusetts
• A commitment to Commonwealth School’s Mission

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing their experience, approach to counseling, and commitment to supporting inclusive classrooms and equitable outcomes for all students, along with a résumé or CV that includes the names and contact information of three references, using our Hiring Intake Form. We will begin reviewing applications April 1 and accept them until we fill the position. Questions about the position should be sent to hiring@commschool.org.

Candidates who would benefit from accommodations at any point during the application process are encouraged to reach out to Clinton Williams, our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (cwilliams@commschool.org).

Commonwealth School is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, veteran status, military service, application for military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Commonwealth School

The mission of Commonwealth School is to educate young people from diverse backgrounds to become knowledgeable, thoughtful, and creative adults, capable of careful analysis, fruitful cooperation, responsible leadership, and deep commitment.

Connections working at Commonwealth School