Academy of the Sacred Heart is an independent, Catholic, college-prep institution for girls offering 17 years of instruction for one-year-olds through twelfth grade. Academy of the Sacred Heart is one of 25 Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States-Canada sponsored by the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ).
Academy of the Sacred Heart is an equal opportunity employer. The goal of Academy of the Sacred Heart is to hire and motivate an outstanding and diverse faculty and staff who work together harmoniously toward the common mission.
Job Description
The Early Childhood/Lower School Counselor Position is a staff member directly accountable to the Preschool & Lower School Division Head. S(he) works with the Division Head, Dean of Students, students and parents to ensure that the spirit and the life of the school reflect the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education. S(he):
Understands, embraces and implements the school's mission and philosophy as written in the Goals and Criteria; participates in the Christ-centered life of the school; and models the school’s philosophy in working with students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
Works with the Division Head to execute responsibilities relating to student life programs, student discipline, and facility use.
Attends and participates in the following: chapels, liturgical functions, retreats, faculty/department/in-service meetings, assemblies, parent assemblies, conferences, and other school functions, as requested.
Maintains professional currency by yearly participation in the professional development program (which includes opportunities for attendance at conferences, workshops, and educational meetings, and for advanced degree coursework) and by regular reading of educational journals and discipline-related materials.
Agrees to fulfill the terms of the contract of employment.
Primary Responsibilities:
Facilitate developmental counseling groups for the Mater Campus divisions, ensuring that sessions align with students' developmental stages and emotional needs.
Plan and deliver student programs in-house or by coordinating with outside speakers, focusing on topics like resilience, empathy, and conflict resolution.
Oversee the implementation of Archdiocesan and State of Louisiana programs, including Safe Environment, Suicide Prevention, and Bullying Prevention.
Assist in organizing and facilitating the Group Guidance Program and Playgroup, focusing on developmental milestones and group interaction skills.
Work closely with Division Heads, Dean of Students, and Learning Specialists to support student growth and development.
Partner with counselors across divisions to ensure consistency in counseling practices and resources available to students.
Provide ongoing communication with faculty and parents regarding students' social and emotional well-being, addressing concerns promptly and collaboratively.
Be knowledgeable about external mental health resources, providing referrals and support for students needing specialized assistance.
Act as a liaison between the school and external mental health providers to facilitate comprehensive care when necessary.
Educate and support parents, faculty, and administrators on student needs by conducting conferences, leading in-service programs, submitting articles for newsletters, and other outreach efforts.
Maintain accurate records of counseling interactions, including meetings with parents and teachers, and ensure all documentation adheres to confidentiality standards.
Follow the policies and ethical guidelines set forth by the American School Counselor Association and state regulations to ensure professional integrity and compliance.
Regularly attend professional development programs, conferences, and training to stay current with counseling best practices.
Serve on various school committees as needed, contributing a counseling perspective to school-wide initiatives and decision-making processes.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Counseling or a related field
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is preferred
Minimum of two years of classroom experience, demonstrating an understanding of school settings and student dynamics
Application Process
Applicants should complete the Online Employee Inquiry Form at ashrosary.org/careers.
Applicants will be prompted to upload the following:
Cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position.
Current résumé.
Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references from current and/or former director supervisors. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.)
During the application process, you may be asked to complete the ASH Employment Application PDF, which is available for download at ashrosary.org/explore/careers.
The Academy of the Sacred Heart is an independent, Catholic, college-prep institution for girls offering 17 years of instruction for toddlers through twelfth grade. Academy of the Sacred Heart is one of 24 Network of Sacred Heart Schools in the United States-Canada sponsored by the Religious of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ).