Rye Country Day School is seeking a full-time Upper School Counselor beginning August 2026. Rye Country Day School is a coeducational, Prek-12, college preparatory school located in Westchester County, New York dedicated to providing students with an excellent education using both traditional and innovative approaches. We are actively committed to creating and sustaining a school community that is nurturing, supportive, diverse, and inclusive, one in which all students can participate fully and achieve their maximum potential through academic, athletic, creative, and social endeavors. We expect and promote moral responsibility and strive to develop strength of character within a respectful school community.

The Upper School Counselor works closely with the Director of Counseling Support Services, Upper School Counseling Team, Upper School Principal and Assistant Principal, Upper School Learning Specialists, grade-level deans, and Upper School faculty to support students. 

Specific responsibilities of this position include:

• Sees individual students on an as-needed, short-term basis
• Provides crisis intervention for individual students
• Assists students in developing advocacy, healthy coping skills, and developmentally appropriate problem-solving
• Provides group counseling support for Upper School students
• Consults and liaises with outside therapists and evaluators; makes appropriate referrals outside of school for ongoing care and support
• Supports the health and well-being of all learners, in collaboration with the Director of Counseling, by creating a supportive environment that stimulates and promotes ethical, social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth
• Enthusiastically supports students and is a visible presence in the division
• Designs division-wide assembly time dedicated to discussing important health-related topics
• Provides opportunities to discuss child development issues with parents and guardians; holds individual parent and family meetings as needed
• Serves as a resource for teachers about the emotional development of adolescents; meets regularly with teachers about students in need of services and about any students of concern
• Assists with proofreading comments, with a lens to social-emotional learning, problem solving, and empowering students
• Assists with the transition of new students
• Works closely with the Upper School Learning Specialists to support students with combined emotional and learning differences
• Works in consultation with the Middle School Counselor for transitioning eighth grade students
• Develops and engages with a network of counselors at other area independent schools
• Designs and leads meaningful psychoeducation for Upper School faculty
• Conveys enthusiasm for intellectual inquiry and models lifelong learning as evidenced by professional learning and development
• Actively seeks education on and implements best clinical practices regarding trauma-informed counseling, assessment and treatment techniques for culturally- and racially-diverse populations, identifying avenues for prevention and intervention efforts, understanding racism-related stress and coping processes
• Maintains credentialing with New York State
• Keeps student, family, and employee information as confidential; maintains proper documentation in order to keep confidential records
• Participates as a full member of the Upper School faculty
• Co-Leads our Student Wellness Ambassador Program
• Supports the mission of the School and performs other related tasks as assigned by administration

Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, school psychology, social work, or related human services field; doctorate preferred
• Appropriate New York State licenses and/or certifications
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience leading a student support services and/or student counseling services department; previous counseling experience in a school
• Effective leadership and management skills, including interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills
• Experience with personnel supervision and training
• Proven ability to connect joyfully with K-12 students and faculty
• A well-developed sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members allowing for the ability to connect with the many constituencies of the RCDS community; a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong coordination, evaluation, and assessment skills to promote best practices in the ever-changing landscape of student support services
• Deep and broad knowledge of counseling, learning support, and health and wellness education across the developmental stages
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; a positive attitude, energy, and an inspiring and entrepreneurial leadership style
• Strong organizational, management, and execution skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including use of technology
• Commitment to lifetime learning and professional and personal integrity
• Experience in leading parent developmental workshops 

RCDS seeks faculty and staff who support our mission to foster a lifelong passion for learning, understanding, and service in an ever-changing world, and who share our commitment to creating and sustaining a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive multicultural learning community. The School is committed to providing invigorating and supportive work experiences for its diverse community of employees. Faculty and staff are offered meaningful opportunities for professional development, growth, and leadership; highly competitive salaries; and extensive benefits. RCDS is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout the community and curriculum. Please visit our website – www.ryecountryday.org – to learn more about the School’s rigorous curriculum, values, and strategic initiatives.

Rye Country Day School is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, which prohibit discrimination in employment because of race, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter via the following link: https://rcds.workable.com/.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 based on experience

About Rye Country Day School

http://www.ryecountryday.org

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