River Oaks Baptist School is seeking a Lower School Counselor to join our team beginning August 2024.

The Lower School Counselor has the principal task of collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to support students with academic, social/emotional, or behavioral challenges as they become competent and independent learners. The Lower School Counselor will facilitate appropriate levels of academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support; develop and maintain a system to monitor student progress; and establish an effective communication system among faculty, staff, parents, and students. In addition, the Lower School Counselor supports the character program by creating and managing character lessons for grades K-4. These functions will be performed in keeping with the mission of the School and in collaboration with the Head of Lower School, the Assistant Head of Lower School, and the Lower School Learning Specialist.

As with all openings, we seek candidates eager to support our mission of preparing students to meet life's challenges and lead tomorrow's world through a superior educational program undergirded by faith in Jesus Christ and Christian principles. This position reports to the Head of Lower School.

Responsibilities

• Work with individual or small groups of students as a short-term intervention
• Create character lessons and collaborate with grade level teachers to address wellness of the whole child
• Provide classroom observations requested by administrators/teachers/parents for concerns within the classroom setting
• Provide consultation with teachers, parents, and the student support team on educational, social/emotional or behavioral interventions for students with difficulties
• Monitor students with challenges during transitions especially between grade levels

• Maintain networking of local, outside professionals for student/family referrals 
• Actively participate in grade-level, divisional, and all-school team meetings 
• Develop and practice cultural competence
• Communicate effectively with parents and colleagues, both verbally and in writing
• Present at Parent Association meetings
• Embrace lifelong learning and a growth mindset for adults and students alike
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, energy, initiative, and self-reflection
• Delight in working with elementary school children

Qualifications and skills

• A vibrant Christian faith and a desire to work in a Christian environment
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A counseling background / experience
• Applicable licensure / certification
• Adhere to ethical standards and best practices of state and national associations