School Counselor - Upper School

Job DetailsJob Location: Bethesda, MD 20817Position Type: Full-TimeSalary Range: $115,000.00 - $125,000.00 SalaryJob Category: School CounselingFounded in 1901, Holton-Arms School is a nationally recognized independent school for girls in grades 3-12 that encourages young women to approach the world with curiosity, courage and a sense of responsibility to use their talents for the greater good.  Rooted in a long legacy of excellence and guided by future-forward thinking, Holton-Arms offers a vibrant, purpose-driven learning environment where students, faculty, and staff bring deep engagement, spirit, and passion to their work.

The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.  Students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from challenges, and build lifelong friendships – embodying the school’s motto, “Inveniam viam aut faciam” (“I will find a way or make one”).  Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world. 

 

Position Overview

The Holton-Arms School seeks a collaborative, flexible, and enthusiastic School Counselor to join our vibrant Upper School for the 2026-27 school year. This is a full-time, in person, 10-month position.The Upper School Counselor’s primary goals are to assist Upper School students by offering social-emotional support and to collaborate with teachers, the Division Director, and the Student-Centered Support Team in developing and implementing programming to meet the diverse needs of the Holton-Arms community. The Upper School Counselor will build relationships with students and provide short-term and intermittent social-emotional support, making recommendations for treatment, including referrals to outside treatment, when necessary. This position reports directly to the Head of Upper School and collaborates closely with the Assistant Head of Upper School.

 

Key Responsibilities


Serve as a member of the Student-centered Support Team who collaborates with teachers, advisors, deans, learning specialists, school nurse, administrators, and parents/guardians to develop appropriate and effective plans to meet the individual needs of each student.
Provide consultation to faculty, staff, and parents regarding psychosocial issues affecting students and general adolescent development.
Collaborate with others to implement social-emotional and student programs (e.g. Advisory, Mental Health Day Conference).  
Serve as a trusted resource and first responder in moments of crisis for students, parents, and the community at large.
Continue to enrich and evolve the counseling program through comprehensive programming designed to meet the ever-changing needs of students and families.
Collaborate with the Middle School Counselor regarding the 8th to 9th grade transition.


 

Qualifications and Experience


Master’s degree in clinical or school psychology required.
Maryland State license and/or certification preferred.
Previous experience working with adolescent girls and families.
Strong knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to school-based counseling practices.
Demonstrated skills and competency in providing mental health services to a diverse audience across racial, ethnic, religious, gender, ability, and socio-economic class identity.
Deep understanding of high-performing school communities and school-based programs. Previous experience working in an independent school preferred.
Excellent clinical, interpersonal, and management skills. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
A collaborative, team-based approach to working with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and outside care providers.
Experience co-facilitating courageous conversations with students and/or faculty regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and mental health.
A passion for working with adolescent high achieving girls, an openness to collaborate, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a sense of humor are essential


 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.  At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful and just community.

 

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