Director of Counseling

Emma Willard School seeks an experienced, dynamic, and licensed mental health professional to serve as Director of Counseling, beginning August 2025. This full-time, 10-month position leads a three-person counseling team and works closely with student support leaders, faculty, and students to foster a collaborative, student-centered environment.

The Director will support students through Emma's academic and personal development programs, contributing to the final year of the school's strategic plan, including embracing our school's program pillars. The role requires strong clinical expertise, leadership in a fast-paced setting, and the ability to collaborate with outside providers.

Ideal candidates will bring excellent communication skills, cultural competency, comfort with educational technology, and a passion for working with adolescents in a rigorous boarding and day school environment. Licensure in New York State as a Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist is required. The position reports to the Dean of Students.

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. The School encourages candidates from under-represented groups to apply, as well as individuals who have demonstrated experience with diverse populations. This leader will contribute to the excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and/or service.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic leadership and supervision to a team of three full-time counselors, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Manage all aspects of student mental health medical leaves, serving as the primary liaison among families, medical providers, and school personnel to ensure smooth transitions and consistent care.
• Deliver direct mental health services to students through individual counseling, small group sessions, and family meetings, tailoring support to each student's developmental and emotional needs.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Nursing and the health team to align physical and mental health care for students.
• Partner with Class Deans and the Learning Support team to identify and address students' academic and emotional challenges.
• Work with the Head of Enrollment Management and Admissions team to support prospective and incoming students, particularly in cases requiring social-emotional consideration.
• Collaborate with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to ensure mental health practices reflect inclusive, culturally responsive care
• Consult with teachers and parents to address concerns related to students' emotional wellbeing and social development.
• Provide referrals to external mental health providers for students, families, and staff, and maintain an active network of trusted professionals.
• Act as the primary liaison between external mental health providers and the school, facilitating coordinated care and follow-up.
• Oversee the on-call counseling schedule, including participating in the rotation to respond to student needs during evenings and weekends.
• Offer after-hours phone support for the Residential Life team to ensure timely mental health guidance and crisis response.
• Lead crisis interventions and manage student safety concerns in collaboration with relevant staff and emergency protocols.
• Attend and contribute to Student Welfare Committee meetings, providing insight and recommendations from a mental health perspective.
• Develop and teach mental health and wellness curriculum, coordinating social-emotional learning initiatives across student life and residential programming.
• Plan and facilitate parent education programs to promote awareness and engagement around adolescent mental health topics.
• Stay current on research and best practices in adolescent mental health, integrating new knowledge into counseling strategies and school policies.
• Serve as a role model within the school community by promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and professionalism.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with students, colleagues, and families, demonstrating deep understanding of adolescent development and family dynamics.
• Collaborate across departments to enhance the overall student experience, integrating mental health support into the broader educational mission.

Minimum qualifications:

• Holds a Master's degree and current New York State licensure in Clinical Social Work or Clinical Psychology.
• Possesses a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a K-12 or high school setting, or extensive experience working directly with adolescents.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to guide teams and foster collaborative initiatives.
• Strong commitment to building and leading innovative programs and partnerships across school departments.
• Proficient in digital platforms, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to learning management systems and other technologies.
• Exhibits patience, enthusiasm, and strong organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Actively engages in ongoing professional development and demonstrates a growth mindset.
• Exercises sound judgment and discretion, particularly in matters concerning student welfare and safety.
• Holds a valid driver's license and is available for occasional off-campus responsibilities or emergencies.
• Deep, ongoing commitment to multicultural and inclusive educational practices; experience working within a diverse school community is essential.

Salary

$100,000 - $110,000 based on education and experience.

We seek to identify, recruit, and develop employees who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and personal statement by Friday, May 30, 2025.