Student Counselor

 Ursuline Academy of Dallas-Position Description Student Counselor

Overview 

At Ursuline Academy of Dallas, the Student Counseling Department plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students. The department’s mission is to encourage students to have a fulfilling high school experience through social/emotional growth and academic excellence. A student counselor supports students’ emotional and personal growth in a community grounded in Catholic values, fostering an environment of inclusivity, compassion, dignity, and respect. The department strives to create an environment for students that encourages a welcoming and trusting atmosphere where students’ needs are respected, valued, and confidentially observed. The Student Counseling Department collaborates with administration, faculty, and families to help support students as they navigate both academic and social/emotional challenges while contributing to the school’s mission of educating the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

General Authority The Student Counselor reports directly to the Student Counseling Chair, who reports to the Dean of Students.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide appropriate information to school personnel related to plans of action for students with identified social/emotional and/or academic needs
• Collaborate with the Dean of Academics and Dean of Students to address the social/emotional and academic needs of students
• Develop and present parent and student programs focused on mental health and wellbeing

Responsibilities and Activities

• Provide social/emotional and academic counseling for students
• Consult with parents/guardians and faculty regarding social/emotional well-being of students
• Consult with parents/guardians and faculty regarding student academic progress
• Consistently document all interactions regarding student well-being and/or academic progress
• Consult and coordinate services with outside mental health professionals regarding a student’s therapeutic needs
• Collaborate with the Community and Inclusion Coordinator to support an inclusive school environment
• Collaborate with the Learning Specialist to support accommodations for students with learning differences and/or mental health diagnosis
• Assess the mental health needs of students, including the risk of self-injurious behavior and suicidal ideation, and provide necessary crisis intervention and referrals
• Participate in professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills related to student well-being, inclusivity, and current adolescent issues

Ursuline Academy of Dallas-Position Description Student Counselor

In addition to the above position specific responsibilities, full-time student counselors at Ursuline Academy also serve as advisors, actively participate in non-academic student activities such as attending all school masses, moderating clubs, chaperoning events, and student supervision, and enthusiastically pursue professional development opportunities as they join a Catholic, independent school culture.

Position Requirements 

• Master’s degree or higher in psychology and/or the counseling field
• Preferred licensure in counseling/psychology or school counseling

Strong Candidates Possess the Following Traits

• Dedication to the school mission
• Counseling experience in a Catholic and/or independent school and/or all girls’ environment is strongly preferred
• An enthusiasm for collaboration and participation in a community of positive, professional learners who are excited to grow and engage in giving and receiving feedback
• A forward-looking energy for thoughtful innovation
• An understanding of the importance of cultivating student well-being in girls and creating an inclusive, equitable classroom
• Enthusiasm for working with students, parents, and the school community

Ursuline Academy of Dallas Mission

Founded in 1874 by the Ursuline Sisters, Ursuline Academy of Dallas is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women. The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community. Ursuline Academy educates young women for leadership in a global society.

Contact

Interested applicants should submit the Employment Application, Background Check, and Pre-Employment Affidavit forms from www.ursulinedallas.org/about/careers. Email the completed forms along with a resume, letters of reference, cover letter and transcripts of undergraduate or graduate work to employment@ursulinedallas.org.