Virginia Episcopal School seeks a highly qualified individual to serve as the full-time school mental health counselor for the 2024-25 school year, providing behavioral health support and engaging in prevention and intervention activities; supporting and educating faculty and staff about best practices in caring for adolescents; and consulting and advising on student status, assessments and treatment. This full-time, 10-month position reports to the Associate Head of School and is a member of the Medical Team. This position is essential to guiding and supporting the development of healthy, joyful young adults striving toward their highest level of personal achievement—what we call Toward Full Stature.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual/group counseling to students on an as-needed or emergency basis.
- Work with families and refer students, when appropriate, to outside mental health providers.
- Provide real-time crisis support when a student is in critical need.
- Serve as on-call mental health professional when students are on campus (this is a shared responsibility).
- Provide support and supervision of other counselors in the school community, including interns and the school’s Licensed School Counselor.
- Serve as a resource and consultant on adolescent student mental health for all students and staff.
- Coordinate care for students with the Health team, including the Costas Wellness Center staff, the school chaplain, and school counselor or contracted services.
- Develop and maintain a network of local providers for referred care when students may need additional off-campus, but local, care.
- In collaboration with the Director of Community Health and Wellness, develop and track appropriate metrics focused on evaluating student social well-being and mental health.
- Provide counseling support and care, as needed, and especially during crisis situations where students or the community are in need of counseling services.
- Ensure that all required health records are maintained in the prescribed format and in a manner which retains medical confidentiality and complies with HIPAA.
- Coordinate, enhance, and teach aspects of the school’s Student Life curriculum as assigned.
- Think holistically and develop school-wide programs around wellness at VES.
- Be an active member of the VES community including attending meals, participating in activities, and actively engaging in the lives of the students in our care.
- Possible campus housing if available.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
- Licensed mental health clinician, or license eligible able to submit application to the Virginia Department of Health within 18 months of hire.
- Completion of master’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling or related field.
- At least 3 years of work experience, preferably in an independent school environment.
The ideal candidate:
- Is a self-starter who is creative in their approach to student health and well-being.
- Is an advocate for health and wellness on campus and supports both faculty and students as they navigate the difficult and challenging terrain of living and learning in a boarding environment.
- Is able to be both proactive and reactive concerning student mental health.
- Effectively communicates with students, faculty, and parents in a timely manner.
- Strong communicator, creative and collaborative problem-solver.
- Detail-oriented and able to create and follow through on student care plans.
- Adhere to all state and federal laws addressing the subjects of confidentiality and privileged communication.
- Strong familiarity with independent schools and boarding school-related experience is desirable.
- Exhibits outstanding interpersonal skills marked by humor, positivity, humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
- Finds joy in working with young adults and supporting their health to become their best selves.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Christina Miller HR Director and Chris Button, Associate Head of School, at cmiller@ves.org and cbutton@ves.org.
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