Elementary School Counselor - Presidio Knolls School Inc

About Presidio Knolls School

Presidio Knolls School (PKS) was founded on the idea that a progressive educational model can be effectively combined with a rigorous and joyful Mandarin immersion experience to create a vibrant and innovative school where children will thrive. Founded in 2008, we have grown rapidly and established a unique position in the Bay Area’s independent school community, and now enroll about 390 students in preschool through eighth grade. 

The progressive philosophy of PKS embraces children as co-collaborators in their education – helping children to shape their own learning journey toward topics of greatest interest. The PKS curriculum is project-based and interdisciplinary; Units of Exploration integrate math, science, social studies, art, music, drama and movement around overarching topics of inquiry in English and Chinese, contextualizing all learning through a real-world lens. Critical to this approach is hands-on, experiential instruction. As such, learning often takes place outside of the classroom, and includes international project-based learning experiences, centered in China and Taiwan, in grades 5-8.  

Job Description

The School Counselor works closely with the Head of Elementary, Wellness Lead, and classroom teachers to support the school in addressing the social, emotional, and developmental needs of the school’s students and families and helping students and families to access appropriate services and resources.

This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Head of Elementary, or Head of School designee. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee the development,  implementation, and evaluation of social-emotional learning programs and curricula across Kindergarten through Grade 4
• Model, co-teach and observe SEL lessons in elementary classes; provide feedback and coach teachers to lead SEL activities
• Provide support to students through individual and small group sessions
• Lead grade level teams in wellness meetings, document individual  student support plans, and monitor implementation and impact of intervention measures
• Provide workshops for both faculty and families on child development and wellness
• Provide support to school staff and teachers in addressing situations impacting students’ emotional and psychological health and well-being
• Build trust and partnerships with families through ongoing communication
• Refer students and families to community resources for services
• Coordinate and maintain communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and outside service providers about goals and interventions, including academic modifications and/or accommodations
• Communicate, coordinate, and collaborate with behavioral health specialists on developing and implementing student supports

• Coordinate with the Wellness Team and division heads to support student transitions between grade levels and divisions

• Address emergency situations impacting students—e.g. lead individual or group counseling sessions that provide support in such areas as grief and stress

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a talented, energetic counselor who demonstrates:

• Kindness, caring, empathy, and a love of knowing and spending time with children.
• A problem-solving mindset embodied in patience, persistence and a can-do attitude.
• A commitment to professional development and a growth mindset towards learning for adults. 
• Understanding and experience with student-centered teaching, project-based learning, and performance-based assessment is preferable.
• The highest professional and ethical standards when working with students, teachers, and families. We are a warm and friendly community where respect underlies all of our relationships.
• The desire and ability to contribute to student and community life inside and outside the classroom to support the vibrancy of our community.
• A commitment to social justice and multicultural education. As a progressive school, we are growing engaged global citizens equipped with empathy, compassion and practices that position them to thrive in a diverse society.

 Skills and Qualifications

• Masters and/or Graduate Certification as a School or Family Counselor preferred
• Clinical and supervisory experience preferred
• A minimum of five years’ experience in a school setting, including teaching responsibilities; teaching credential preferred but not required
• Cultural competence in multicultural classrooms and sensitivity to the needs of children and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Familiarity with educational and child wellness resources in San Francisco; demonstrated ability to effectively network and build relationships with various internal and external constituencies
• Experience in leading and collaborating with teams, teachers, and parents
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Experience in an independent school setting helpful

• Contagious enthusiasm and charisma; the ability to engage and inspire students, parents, and colleagues
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Must have authorization to work in the US.
• Must be able to pass a Livescan background check permitting employment in a school / childcare facility.
• Mandarin language proficiency and understanding of Chinese culture is a plus

PKS offers a competitive compensation package; the full-time salary range for applicants is $77,848 - $129,682 per year. Our base salaries are set according to years of experience and degrees earned. Full benefits are available, PKS offers a 403b with match available. 

Presidio Knolls School offers equal opportunity to all, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national origin, ethnicity, age, sex or disability or other protected class status under any applicable laws. Employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.

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