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Posted: 19-Jan-26
Location: Carbondale, Colorado
Type: Contract
Salary: $3,000–$4,000 + meals
Required Education:
What is (HS)²?
The High School High Scholar ((HS)²) program at Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) is a three-summer, fully funded, STEM-based college access program designed to prepare high-achieving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds for success in college and beyond.
Each summer, approximately 75 scholars from across the country spend five transformative weeks living and learning on the CRMS campus in Carbondale, Colorado. Scholars engage in:
- Rigorous STEM and humanities coursework
- College counseling and leadership development
- Outdoor adventures such as climbing, kayaking, and hiking
- Creative and community-building experiences
(HS)² empowers students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping them develop the resilience, confidence, and sense of belonging necessary for long-term success.
About the Role: Emotional Support Specialist
The Emotional Support Specialist plays an essential role in supporting the emotional well-being of scholars throughout the five-week residential experience.
For many students, (HS)² represents their first extended time away from home while navigating an academically rigorous and socially intensive environment. This position helps scholars process challenges, build coping strategies, and access individualized support when needed.
This role also serves as a key resource for faculty and residential staff, helping strengthen trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices across the program.
Key Responsibilities
Student Support
- Provide one-on-one emotional support for scholars through scheduled sessions and responsive care
- Support students navigating homesickness, stress, identity development, interpersonal challenges, and adjustment
- Facilitate proactive wellness programming and group sessions focused on mental health, resilience, and emotional regulation
- Assist with crisis response and intervention when needed
Faculty & Staff Support
- Lead faculty and staff training on:
- Trauma-informed care
- Mandated reporting
- Student mental health
- Inclusive support strategies
- Offer consultation and guidance to staff regarding student well-being concerns
- Collaborate closely with the Program Director, Associate Director, and the residential team
Programmatic Support
- Maintain confidential records and communication as appropriate
- Support transition planning for students requiring follow-up resources post-program
- Help foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive residential culture
Qualifications:
Preferred candidates will have:
- Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field
- Clinical licensure or active supervision toward licensure strongly preferred
- Experience working with adolescents in school, nonprofit, residential, or camp settings
- Strong crisis response, communication, and relational skills
- Deep commitment to educational equity, social justice, and youth empowerment
- Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced summer environment
Compensation:
$3,000-$4,000 stipend for 5 weeks of part-time summer work (depending on hours available). Full dining hall access (3 meals daily) included in the role.
This role is intentionally designed with flexibility, allowing professionals to maintain aspects of their existing practice or client load through a mutually designed schedule developed in partnership with the Program Director.
Program Dates:
Faculty Training: June 18–21, 2026
Student Program: June 22 – July 25, 2026
To Apply:
Please complete the application linked here. We are excited to find a compassionate, skilled professional who will help our scholars thrive this summer.
Questions may be directed to Annie Oppenheim, Program Director.
