Lawrence, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Brooklyn, New York
Posted: 08-May-26
Location: Austin, Texas
Type: Full Time
UPPER PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
School Year: 2026-2027
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Head of Primary School & Head of Secondary School
Location: Austin, TX, USA
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective
Magellan International School in Austin, Texas, is seeking an Upper Primary and Secondary School Counselor. This person will work with Upper Primary (grade 4-5) and Secondary School (grades 6-8) students. This role advocates for the holistic development of students, supporting their personal, social, academic, and career growth. It involves delivering guidance curriculum, conducting individual and group counseling, collaborating with educators and parents, and using data to inform student development. The counselor serves as a resource for students, faculty, and families, helping them navigate the challenges of academic life and personal well-being.
Essential Functions as it relates to:
Students
- Leads social-emotional learning (SEL) / well-being and human development lessons for students
- Helps to foster and promote self-regulation principles throughout the school
- Counsels students and small groups
- Acts as case manager to students with behavioral, emotional, psychological, and academic needs
- Intervenes/supports when students are having an emotional and/or behavioral crisis
- Conducts observations / brief assessments of students with social-emotional/behavioral challenges
- Provides temporary short-term/solution-focused sessions (4 to 6 sessions) for students requiring support
- Collaborates with external professionals (e.g. therapists, clinicians, psychiatrists) to help implement professionally recommended accommodations in classroom & standardized tests
- Reviews external psychological and psychoeducational assessment reports, provides recommendations to teachers and develops learning plans for upper primary
Teachers
- Helps teachers incorporate guidance lessons into their curriculum and practices
- Supports teachers with behavior management resources and recommendations
- Recommends resources to provide the best learning experiences for students with behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs
- Bridges communication with specialists (e.g. therapists, clinicians, psychiatrists)
- Attends faculty and grade-level meetings as needed to provide input on student social-emotional needs
Administration
- Maintains records and documentation related to student services, learning plans and external providers
- Works collaboratively with Student Support Resources (SSR) team members to prepare for student-focus meetings
- Collaboratively plans, implements, and evaluates guidance programs and systems at Magellan
- Meets regularly with Leadership at both primary and secondary sections to discuss cases and review external professionals' feedback and recommendations for students receiving services
- Writes blog posts for parents on pertinent counseling topics
Informs the community about counselors initiatives through a trimester newsletter - Supports the ongoing development of Magellan’s sensory library and resources
- Continues to build and maintain the list of community resources and specialists (e.g. therapists, clinicians, psychiatrists)
Parents
- Connects students/families with community resources and external therapists, specialists, and professionals
- Communicates and meets with parents of students on an as needed basis
- Upon request, collaborates with administration and/or the parent association (MISPA) to organize parent education programs
Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned, which may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Education and Experience
Master’s degree & Licensed School Counselor
Experience in mental health services with a focus on child and adolescent development
Prior experience working in a school setting
Preferred: Bilingual in English and Spanish
Personal Attributes and Skills
- Student-focused, warm, caring, and supportive
- Therapeutic communication skills
- Crisis management and conflict resolution
- Flexible and willing to work collaboratively with teams
- Committed to the school's vision and mission
Salary and Benefits
A competitive salary package commensurate with experience, including medical and supplemental benefits, tuition remission for dependent children, retirement offerings, and paid time off.
Work Environment
This job operates in a school environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. This role requires lifting, bending, standing, and stooping. Work is performed indoors and outdoors.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
“Core” work hours are:
- Monday 8:15 am to 5:30 pm
- Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 am to 4:15 pm
- Wednesday 8:15 am to 4:30 pm
- The length of day may vary on occasion. Availability during occasional nights and weekend events.
Travel
Some out-of-area travel may be expected, but is not common.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification form, I-9. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Equal Opportunity Employer
MIS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable law.
