About the job
Join the Rye Country Day School community as a Lower School / Middle School Counselor starting August 2026. Located in the beautiful Westchester County, New York, RCDS is a prestigious coeducational, PreK-12 college preparatory school. Our mission is to cultivate a diverse community of passionate learners and exceptional educators who strive to think critically and make a meaningful difference in the world. Our program champions academic excellence while fostering exploration and growth across all aspects of school life—intellectual, artistic, athletic, civic, and social. At RCDS, we nurture lifelong learners who are driven by purpose and possess remarkable character.
The LS/MS Counselor will play a vital role in promoting student health and well-being in the Lower School and Middle School. Reporting to the Middle School Principal and the Director of Counseling Support Services, the Counselor will provide direct support to students and families, offer consultation to teachers, and co-lead the Social-Emotional Learning program for both divisions through classroom-based models (e.g., SEEK Course).
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide individual and group counseling for LS/MS students on a short-term, as-needed basis.
- Teach SEL classes in LS/MS and contribute to the development of health curriculum and advisory programs.
- Deliver age-appropriate crisis intervention services for students in need.
- Assist in comprehensive crisis planning and intervention across the school.
- Facilitate referrals for ongoing care and support outside of the school environment.
- Maintain a diverse referral list that aligns with the unique needs of students based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and insurance.
- Collaborate with outside therapists and evaluators using school documentation.
- Engage with parents and guardians about child development concerns through individual and group meetings.
- Act as a resource for faculty regarding the emotional and developmental needs of children.
- Design and deliver professional development workshops focused on student mental health and well-being for educators.
- Work closely with learning specialists to create tailored support plans for students.
- Support Child Study Team meetings by analyzing psychoeducational evaluations and recommending interventions and accommodations.
- Assist with the onboarding of new students by collaborating with transition teams.
- Maintain accurate documentation of intervention work.
- Uphold confidentiality in accordance with school policies and legal requirements.