Website Menlo School
Menlo School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve. Located in Atherton, California, and established in 1915, the School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National and California Associations of Independent Schools.
Menlo is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding creative arts and athletic programs. The School helps students develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Our program encourages students to reach their fullest potential and to develop the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of a diverse and increasingly interconnected world.
At Menlo School, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our organizational identity. Through our daily efforts, the School demonstrates a shared commitment to the development of all stakeholders by supporting a campus ethos where equity, diversity, and inclusion reflect the major cornerstones of our community.
Menlo’s Upper School (grades 9-12) is seeking a full-time licensed and skilled Mental Health & Wellness Counselor to join us in August 2022. This professional will have specialized experience in school-based teen counseling. In addition to the counseling aspect of the work, the role also includes: teaching a Human Behavior class within Menlo’s Freshman Seminar program, which is designed to help students learn skills that help them to develop their personal, social and emotional competencies; collaborating with a team of counselors across the Middle and Upper School divisions; and advising, as needed, on the scope of Menlo’s overarching social-emotional and wellness programming for students.
The counseling center is an integral asset to the Menlo School community and the Student Life Department, both of which are overseen by the Upper School Assistant Director. Menlo is dedicated to proactive counseling and continuing to integrate wellbeing and healthy mental health habits into the fabric of the Menlo community. The faculty is committed to building positive, collaborative relationships with students. The students are encouraged to openly and respectfully communicate with adults as they develop their self management and self advocacy skills.
Responsibilities:
The Upper School Mental Health & Wellness Counselor will contribute to the 9th-12th grade mental health and wellness programs and be available for students who wish to discuss personal issues in a supportive, confidential atmosphere. The Counselor provides individual and/or group counseling on a regular basis for students including social/emotional support, educational guidance, mediation, crisis services and co-curricular coordination. Strong candidates will have experience in and the desire to meaningfully improve upon the experience of historically underserved students in independent school contexts. Candidates with demonstrated experience and/or strong interest in taking on a leadership role within the counseling team and/or across divisions are particularly encouraged to apply.
Support the mental health needs of the Upper School student body in tandem with two additional counselors; align efforts with the Middle School counselor as needed and to ensure awareness of the 6-12th grade trajectory
Serve as a member of the Student Support team to provide comprehensive, tiered case management support for students with social-emotional and/or academic challenges.
Collaborate with the Upper School Assistant Director and the Student Life team to integrate social-emotional/values-based curricula in classroom settings or on as needed basis with faculty.
Be the faculty lead on various parent education and/or support committees aimed at parent education, partnership and community cohesion.
Teach Human Behavior in the Freshman Seminar rotation program, a comprehensive wellness SEL curriculum that students take during their first year of high school. During the Human Behavior program, students learn skills that aim to develop their personal, social and emotional competencies. In addition, these classes provide a trusting environment for students to explore the teen experience. Topics may include bystander effect, social norms, effective communication, digital citizenship, diversity and inclusion, positive psychology, media literacy, healthy relationships, substance education.
Help students resolve teacher and classroom concerns and assist students in developing self advocacy and problem solving skills.
Consult with and assist teachers and staff to enhance their effectiveness in helping students be and feel at their best.
Maintain local partnerships with therapists, community partners, and mental health organizations.
Participate weekly as an advocate in Menlo’s comprehensive Advocacy programing
Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in counseling, school psychology, clinical psychology, or school social work (LMFT, LCSW, MSW, PPS, or certified school/clinical psychologist) required.
3-5 years prior counseling experience at the middle or high school level or equivalent strongly preferred, but all interested candidates are welcome to apply
Knowledge and experience providing culturally responsive treatment
Genuine love of high school-age children and a desire to work with all types of learners.
Being a positive and contributing member of the professional community.
Extensive knowledge of ethical and legal considerations related to counseling practices
Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a wide range of constituencies
Candidates must have strong interpersonal, technology, and organizational skills.
Experience in individual and group counseling and educational programming.
Proficient in use of technology.
A desire to work in a highly collaborative environment.
We Offer:
An exceptional work environment and caring community
Excellent professional development opportunities
Highly competitive salary
A comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families
Generous contributions to 403b retirement plan
Free lunch on campus when school is in session
On-campus child care center
Tuition remission
Many other perks and benefits
Menlo School is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
As an equal opportunity employer, Menlo values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply.
