School Counselor
School Counselor (Elementary)
FT/PT: Full Time
Status: Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Elementary School Division Head
The Orchard School:
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school for approximately 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.
Founded in 1922, Orchard is an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school for approximately 500 students in preschool through the 8th grade. Orchard is committed to advancing each student’s academic success, self-confidence, open-mindedness, ethical character, leadership, and love of learning. Located in north Indianapolis on a 43-acre wooded campus with a state-of-the-art facility, Orchard promises academic excellence through a well-rounded education, engaging the natural curiosity of students in an active, child-centered, and experiential learning environment. We seek, and strive to maintain a diverse and inclusive school community, and are committed to the principles that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. We value the skills, knowledge, and experiences a diverse workforce brings to our school.
The Position:
The Orchard School seeks a dynamic, nurturing, and growth-oriented school counselor to join our innovative and collaborative Elementary School. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a progressive, hands-on, and whole-child approach to teaching and learning. Our foundation is built on the unwavering belief that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive in active, child-centered, and experiential learning environments.
The Orchard School seeks a dynamic, nurturing, and growth-oriented school counselor to join our innovative and collaborative Elementary School. This position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to the ongoing development of a progressive, hands-on, and whole-child approach to teaching and learning. Our foundation is built on the unwavering belief that all children are naturally curious and capable learners who thrive in active, child-centered, and experiential learning environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provides support and guidance related to the emotional and social well-being of students in the Elementary School (Grades 1-4)
- Demonstrates expertise in emergency response and crisis management within a school setting
- Serves as a consultant and resource for Division Director, teachers, and parents regarding social, emotional, and behavioral concerns
- Engages parents in meaningful consultation around parenting practices and child development
- Designs and delivers proactive, developmentally appropriate social-emotional curriculum
- Acts as a liaison between outside therapists/psychologists and the school
- Interprets psychometric assessments to inform student support plans
- Collaborates closely with classroom teachers, the student support team, and other counselors to promote student success
Qualifications- The strongest candidates will possess many of the following qualifications and qualities:
- Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field
- Minimum of three years of experience working with children in a school setting or comparable professional environment
- Demonstrated expertise in crisis prevention and response
- Thorough knowledge of the laws, policies, procedures, and ethical standards guiding the school counseling profession
- Experience administering and interpreting psychometric assessments
- Deep understanding of Responsive Classroom and familiarity with Fly Five
- Strong foundation in restorative practices
- Clear understanding of the principles of progressive education
- Ability to cultivate unity, trust, and collaboration through respect, tact, and an appreciation for individual differences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Benefits:
The Orchard School values our employees and offers a total compensation package designed to attract and retain talented individuals who make our school successful. Benefits include:
- 11 paid personal days
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer paid long- and short-term disability
- Additional benefits
How to apply:
Candidates should apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Elementary School Division Head, Erica McGovern, emcgovern@orchard.org. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please place “School Counselor” in the email subject line.
Orchard values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. Orchard does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national origin in the administration of its admission, tuition assistance, or employment determination.
The Orchard School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States.
For more information about The Orchard School, please visit: www.orchard.org.
