Careers

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic School Counselor to join our team at The Highlands School, a K-8 independent school that educates students with learning differences and achievement gaps. The School Counselor will play a crucial role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional development. This position involves working closely with students, parents, and staff to create a positive school environment that fosters growth, resilience, and well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Individual and Group Counseling:
• Provide short-term one-on-one and group counseling to students to address academic, social, and emotional issues.
• Develop and implement individualized counseling plans and interventions.
• Provide outside referrals to families for long-term support.
2. Crisis Intervention:
• Respond to and manage crisis situations involving students and provide appropriate support.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to address urgent issues.
3. Behavioral Support:
• Collaborate with the Dean of Students, teachers and parents to implement behavioral interventions and strategies.
4. Student Advocacy:
• Advocate for students’ needs and rights within the school system.
• Promote a positive school climate and work to resolve conflicts.
5. Parent and Teacher Collaboration:
• Conduct workshops and provide resources for parents and teachers on topics related to student development and mental health.
• Serve as a liaison between students, families, and the school.
6. Program Development:
• Develop and lead school-wide programs that teach knowledge, attitudes, and skills students need to acquire in academic and social/emotional development.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling programs and make recommendations for improvement.
7. Record Keeping and Reporting:
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and progress.
• Prepare reports and documentation as required by school policies and regulations.
8. Professional Development:
• Stay current with best practices in counseling and education.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in School Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field. (preferred)
• Certification: Valid state certification or licensure as a School Counselor (or eligibility for certification).
• Experience: Previous experience as a school counselor or in a related role preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and school staff.
• Knowledge of child development, counseling techniques, and educational strategies.
• Proficiency in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Traits:
• Empathetic and supportive demeanor.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should complete and submit the Highlands School Employment Application and send a resume and a cover letter to Suzanne Lippa (slippa@highlandsschool.devsquad.tech) as soon as possible. In your cover letter, please describe your experience and how you would contribute to the success and well-being of our students.

The Highlands School is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Founded in 1996, The Highlands School is a leading private school that provides an outstanding education for students with learning differences and achievement gaps. Our vision is to teach students how to learn using a multi-sensory curriculum and research-based teaching methods.

The responsibility of the Teacher is to instruct in a classroom setting. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Instruction:

• Conducting morning and afternoon homeroom activities for an assigned classroom of students
• Instructing classroom students for social studies, science, executive function, and social confidence
• Working with one or more small groups in Math and/or Language Arts
• Following prescribed curriculum scope and sequence using multi-sensory techniques
• Planning and creating rich units and lessons by accessing all available resources – on-line, in person, through textbooks and other print or digital media
• Assessing students in all areas following The Highlands School’s philosophy and approach
• Teaching and reinforcing appropriate basic organizational, study, and social skills

Diagnostics:

• Using developmental constructs to recognize students’ strengths and weaknesses
• Striving for student mastery at each level of instruction
• Developing strategies to move students beyond an academic or social challenge
• Creating a learning profile for each student in the classroom
• Using social skill autopsy philosophy and approach to assist students in meeting social success

Additional responsibilities:

• Working with a Teacher Assistant to provide appropriate support for classroom students
• Recording and posting unit plans, tests, and daily lesson plans
• Conducting Parent Conferences twice a year and meeting or talking with parents as needed
• Issuing quarterly Interim Reports on a timely basis as needed
• Updating grades in the school’s database on a regular basis
• Preparing quarterly report cards; submitting grades and comments
• Attending in-service training and participating in the annual summer reading program
• Preparing for special programs, events, and chaperoning field trips
• Participating in focus groups or other school committees as needed
• Support the mission, vision, and philosophy of the school
• Foster a spirit of collaboration and collegiality
• Works to maintain a positive school climate and culture
• Communicating on a regular basis with the Classroom Teacher
• Chaperoning field trips and special programs
• Attend in-service training and professional development opportunities offered by the school
• Attend evening and weekend events as needed
• Assuming other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• College degree, formal OG training is preferable.
• Organized and responsible
• Able to comply with confidentiality

The Teacher is responsible to the Director of Instruction.

Job Summary

Substitutes needed for all areas; upper, middle and elementary classroom teachers, small group math and language arts instructors, specials area (Art, Music, P.E.) and teacher assistants. Substitutes provide classroom instruction (12:1 with an assistant) in Social Studies, Science and Social Skills or small group instruction (2-4:1) in Language Arts and/or Math on an on-call basis.

Knowledge and Skills

Substitutes needed for all areas; upper, middle and elementary classroom teachers, small group math and language arts instructors, specials area (Art, Music, P.E.) and teacher assistants. Substitutes provide classroom instruction (12:1 with an assistant) in Social Studies, Science and Social Skills or small group instruction (2-4:1) in Language Arts and/or Math on an on-call basis.

Interest in the whole child; ability to maintain structured routines, behavior management and social skill support; strong knowledge of the English language/grammar, mathematics, executive functions, organization and study skills; understanding of learning profiles including Dyslexia, ADHD, language processing disorders; ability to follow a structured, sequential, systematic multi-sensory approach to learning; familiarity with Microsoft Office products and classroom technology.

Qualifications

Bachelors’ degree required for all teaching positions; a high school diploma for teacher assistant positions. Training provided in The Highlands School routines, methodologies and techniques.

Job Summary

The Highlands School Tutoring Program provides individualized instruction for children aged 6 and older in Phonics, Math, Reading, Comprehension, Written Expression, Study Skills, and/or Executive Function Skills based on the student’s needs and academic levels. Tutors work with children one-on-one for a full hour session, generally for once or twice a week. This position reports directly to the Tutoring Coordinator. Academic guidance is also provided by the Educational Directors.

Instruction:

• Use only Highlands School approved programs such as Wilson, Lindamood Bell, Institute for Excellence in Writing, etc. as approved by the Director of SGI and PD
• Following prescribed Orton-Gillingham scope and sequence using VAKT techniques
• Following prescribed THS Math scope and sequence
• Utilize multi-sensory techniques and multiple modalities in instruction when possible
• Create lessons utilizing all available resources
• Strive for student mastery at each level of instruction
• Develop strategies and assist students to overcome academic and/or social challenges

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the mission, vision, and philosophy of the school
• Communicate with parents as needed
• Communicate with Tutoring Coordinator

This is an hourly part-time position.