MTS seeks a compassionate, relationship-centered School Counselor to support the social-emotional development of students in grades K–8. The ideal candidate partners closely with teachers, learning specialists, administrators, and families, and is committed to whole-child development in a joyful, inclusive school culture.

At MTS, we lead with kindness, practice active inclusion, honor childhood, and celebrate the journey — embedding SEL and inclusive education best practices in everything we do. Rather than an office-only role, this is a present, proactive, community-embedded position that prioritizes connection over caseload. The School Counselor reports to the Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Socio-Emotional Learning (DIESEL).

Key Responsibilities

Community Presence & Classroom Support

• Deliver K–8 guidance lessons on emotional regulation, growth mindset, friendship, and conflict resolution as needed
• Be a visible and warm presence during recess, lunch, and transitions, available for in-the-moment conflict support and relationship-building
• Facilitate class meetings to support students through shared experiences such as grief, transitions, or community challenges
• Plan and lead Mental Health Awareness Day and other school-wide SEL initiatives

Small Group & Targeted Student Support

• Facilitate small groups (lunch bunch, social skills, conflict mediation) to address shared social-emotional challenges
• Provide short-term 1:1 support for students with emergent needs; group and community-based approaches are primary. Extended 1:1 work requires DIESEL approval.
• Observe students in classrooms and community settings; partner with teachers to develop in-class support strategies

Collaboration, Communication & Referral

• Collaborate actively with homeroom teachers, advisors, learning specialists, and division heads to build timely, coordinated student support plans
• Serve as a key point of contact for families and ProComm regarding students' social-emotional development, available resources, and support strategies. 
• Identify students who need more intensive outside support and manage referrals to therapists and community resources; coordinate between families and clinicians as needed
• Maintain an updated referral list of therapists, support groups, and community resources

Meetings, Documentation & Professional Community

• Attend grade-level and student support meetings with teachers, learning specialists, and administrators
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of student contacts, group rosters, and referrals; uphold mandated reporting requirements.
• Contribute to the MTS community through parent blog posts, presentations, or coffee chats on social-emotional themes
• Bring curiosity and a growth mindset to this role — asking “what’s possible” for each student and the community as a whole.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
• California licensure or registered intern status (MFT, LCSW, LPCC, or PPS credential) required or in progress

• Experience working with K–8 students in a school or clinical setting
• Familiarity with child and adolescent development, SEL frameworks, and trauma-informed practice
• Strong collaborator who communicates clearly and promptly with families, colleagues, and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and the full dignity of every child

About Mount Tamalpais School

Mount Tamalpais School (MTS) is a co-educational, departmentalized K–8 independent day school of approximately 270 students, located in Mill Valley — fifteen minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge. We envision a world in which Education Inspires Action, and we pursue that vision by creating conditions where learning is revered and education is joyful.

MTS students bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and strengths to campus — they are curious, motivated learners who remain young at heart. Families are engaged partners in school life. ProComm at MTS includes every adult on campus — teachers, administrators, staff, and specialists — all of whom see themselves as responsible for upholding our shared values and for the wellbeing of every child. Supporting the whole child is not the counselor's job alone; it is a commitment woven into the fabric of our community.

campus share a continual commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school community.

Our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

As an academic institution, the School strives to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, age, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, and breastfeeding), reproductive health decision-making, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. The School prohibits discrimination or harassment based on these classifications. Discrimination and harassment based on a perception that anyone is in any of these protected classifications, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as being in any of these protected classifications, are also prohibited. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and other stated conditions of employment.

Pay Range

Salary will be determined by education, years of experience, and will range from $110,000 - $125,000, based on years of experience.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume to jobs@mttam.org

About Mount Tamalpais School

Mount Tamalpais School, 100 Harvard Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (Telephone 415-383-9434), is a coeducational day school enrolling children in Kindergarten through Grade 8. The suburban community of Mill Valley is 12 miles north of San Francisco in Marin County. Students have access to the museums, theater, opera, symphony, and ballet of the city, and visit the Pacific Ocean and Mount Tamalpais for hiking and nature study. Private bus service is available between the school and local communities; public bus stops are within walking distance of the campus. Mount Tamalpais School is dedicated to the active pursuit of knowledge and to integrity, community service and fairness. We want our students to embrace diversity, honoring the value of each individual's strengths, choices, feelings and ideas. We strive to celebrate the human spirit by being responsible members of our families, our school community, and our world. We are committed to a strong, interactive and multidisciplinary curriculum, designed to challenge and enlighten, and to faculty who serve as guides and role models for our students.

Connections working at Mount Tamalpais School