Full-Time Lower School Counselor

AIM Academy is seeking a full-time counselor to support our Lower School division. The counselor will report to the Head of Lower School and partner with families, faculty, school administrators, and outside professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments by applying expertise in social emotional development, mental health, and behavior.

AIM seeks instructors who are committed to collegiality and have high expectations for all students. Prior experience working with students with language-based learning differences and familiarity with the Responsive Classroom

approach is preferred. 

Since AIM Academy is dedicated to the work of equity and diversity, candidates should value engaging in open dialogue, questioning, confronting assumptions, and attuning to all voices.  We invite you to read our “Equity and Diversity Statement” located on our website at www.aimpa.org   

At AIM Academy, our hiring process reflects our culture, ethics, and core values: Care for Others, Creative Problem Solving, Commitment to Excellence, and a Can-Do Attitude.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Student Support/Counseling:
• Work with students requiring social-emotional support during individual and group interactions (i.e. social skill groups, brief counseling sessions, risk assessment, etc.)
• Observe and interact with students in the school environment in order to recommend appropriate support strategies
• Meet with teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, and other appropriate parties as needed to advise about appropriate social-emotional support and to organize necessary school-based interventions
• Collaborate with outside service providers

Programming:

• Provide programmatic and schedule recommendations and input regarding students' educational needs, necessary accommodations, support strategies, and instructional practices
• In collaboration with the Student Support Team, design and present social-emotional and psycho-educational lessons and curricula in the classroom to support students in developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning topics
• Lead professional development sessions and support classroom activities to implement research-based, developmentally appropriate, culturally competent, and ethical interventions that will enhance students' learning and overall well-being

Other:

• Serve as a member of the Lower School Core Leadership Team to address student needs, create plans to be implemented both at school and at home, and provide guidance about school-wide issues
• Develop engaging presentations for Lower School families
• Serve as the point of contact for ongoing communication and collaboration with faculty and families around students requiring social-emotional support
• Create an atmosphere of trust and collaboration among faculty and families in order to promote collegiality and enhance student learning and growth

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree, Educational Specialist Degree, Doctoral Degree in School Psychology, MSW, or related field (required)
• Minimum of 3-5 years working in school setting, independent school setting preferred
• State certification and licensure standards fulfilled
• Ability to adjust strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners
• Strong understanding of the range of development and learning styles among elementary-aged children
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and their impact on classroom climate and curriculum
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills at both the student and family levels
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with students, families, and faculty
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and lifelong learning
• Openness to feedback from an instructional support team
• Strong technology skills and familiarity with assistive technologies

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Cheryl Ferst at [email protected] .