Website Orinda Academy
Orinda Academy seeks an experienced and enthusiastic part-time School Counselor for the 2023-2024 academic year. The School Counselor reports to the Head of School, and plays a major role in ensuring the social, emotional, and educational wellness of OA students. They will provide direct individual and group support to students and educational programs, working alongside the Learning Specialist and Dean of Students as a part of the Student Support Team. The individual consults with teachers, parents, and faculty to enhance their effectiveness in helping students thrive
Who we are:
Orinda Academy is an intentionally small independent school serving grades 8-12 in the town of Orinda, California, in the East San Francisco Bay Area. The majority of our students have a diagnosed learning difference, and they come to OA – and stay – because our high-support learning environment helps them to get organized, know themselves and their learning profiles better, and take ownership of their education.
We aim to send our graduates out into the world with self confidence, pride, and a good sense of how they are going to make themselves better and make the world a better place.
We are committed to honesty, justice, clarity, and the pursuit of knowledge. We want our students and faculty to understand that the things that make us different as individuals make us stronger as a community.
We know that all students learn differently, and with our inclusive mission as a foundation, we provide pathways to solid core and elective class offerings that fully prepare each graduate for college, or for any career path they choose. Our teachers and staff members care, and it shows!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide individual and group counseling to students in order to foster student resilience, coping skills development, and positive engagement across all aspects of student life
- Work collaboratively with school faculty and staff to identify students in need of counseling services
- Teach SEL lessons in classrooms or advisory to support the social and emotional well-being of all students
- Manage student crisis situations and facilitate crisis response with students, faculty, and families
- Collaborate with faculty and administration regarding students of concern and ensure that appropriate support is provided
- Make referrals to outside professionals and liaise with students’ current providers for students needing ongoing counseling, therapy, psychological testing, etc.
- Understand the ways in which intersecting identities impact student behavior and mental health
- Act as a proactive and responsive resource for students, parents, colleagues, and outside partners on emerging issues of emotional well-being and adolescent growth and development in the community
- Lead and/or attend weekly student support team meetings as scheduled
- Participate in all aspects of student life and help foster a positive school climate
- Facilitate professional learning for faculty/staff and parent education
- Measure the results of the school counseling program activities and share results as appropriate
- Other duties as assigned by the Head of School
Minimum Qualifications:
- Masters degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in school counseling, mental health, school psychology or social work
- Licensed or an associate level currently in supervision with a licensed clinician
- Adhere to laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards of the school counseling profession
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty, staff, and parents
- High degree of professional behavior, discretion, judgment, and integrity
Compensation: $35-$60 an hour, 6-10 hours/week; salary to be determined based on experience.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to the Head of School at nancy@orindaacademy.org.
