Lower School Psychologist/Counselor

About Shady Hill School:

Since 1915, Shady Hill, a school of approximately 530 students (PreK - 8) and 90+ faculty, has been a leader in progressive education. Shady Hill is a deeply mission-driven school. We seek to develop independent, joyful and curious learners who respect their own accomplishments and those of others. We strive to be a community whose values are strong and whose teachers are unafraid to engage students in important questions. The school's program allows children to explore their worlds and test their powers. As a school with a historical and contemporary commitment to social justice, we believe that an inclusive and equitable community is an educational and moral imperative that empowers us all. Therefore, we seek to hire teachers and administrators who demonstrate a mindset and skill set that prioritizes cultural competence, equity, and justice in their practice with students and in their work with colleagues.

About the position:

Shady Hill School is looking for a Lower School Psychologist or Counselor to join our team beginning with the school year. This full-time, 10.5-month position supports the Shady Hill Lower School community, consisting of students in Beginners (preK) - Grade 4. The Lower School Psychologist or Counselor designs and delivers programming for students, teachers and parents, meets with students individually and in small groups, and works with teachers, learning resources, and administrators to develop and implement student supports. This position reports to the Lower School Division Head and serves on the Student Support Team.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute SEL programming for students, faculty, and parents that proactively enhance awareness of mental health and promote positive, healthy behaviors (presentations, workshops, classroom discussions)
• Offer consultation to administration and faculty regarding appropriate clinical resources, both internal and external
• Coordinate with the Lower School Division Head and the Lower School Director of Learning Resources around the need and appropriateness for different kinds of formal assessments and evaluations, conduct assessments and evaluations as needed, and interpret/communicate assessment results to student teams and families
• Review and summarize neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, and support the implementation of recommendations to support school functioning
• Serve as an active member of the Student Support Team, attending and participating in weekly meetings to discuss students in need of support, following through on relevant action items, collaborating and consulting with relevant faculty, administration and families as needed
• Offer consultation, insights and strategies to faculty regarding students' social-emotional-behavioral needs with the Student Support Team
• Offer curriculum resources to faculty and staff around social-emotional-behavioral health with the Student Support Team
• Provide guidance and support to parents and caregivers around child development and issues related to mental health
• Support students via participation in classroom teaching, small group meetings, and 1-1 meetings as needed
• Serve as a coordinator in cases where a 51A filing is considered
• Collaborate with the Middle School Counselor to ensure continuity of support and a smooth transition from Lower School to Middle School
• Maintain licensing and/or certification requirements, as well as relevant professional development
• Provide support in the admission process and participate in screening applicants, including Saturday sessions
• Facilitate seminars for the Teacher Training Center, as needed
• Engage in professional development to enhance inclusive teaching and leadership practices. The school offers extensive professional development opportunities, including yearly trips to the People of Color Conference for BIPOC employees In addition, the LS Psychologist or Counselor will share in responsibilities associated with the position or with membership on the faculty, supervision of student activities, participating in festivals and outreach programs, as well as lunchroom and playground supervision. The LS Psychologist or Counselor is also expected to attend opening and closing meetings (August/September and June) and other faculty meetings as called and to serve on committees of the faculty. Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in psychology preferred; advanced degree in school counseling, social work or related mental health field considered
  • Demonstrated experience in early childhood and elementary education
  • Demonstrated school based work experience, including affective education
  • Excellent knowledge of child development, latest education theories and practices, and current trends in education and professional development
  • Demonstrated experience and competence in a culturally diverse community including diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, language, family structure, sexual orientation, and gender identity
  • Familiarity or experience with integrating classroom management and social emotional learning practices in classrooms
  • Effective, timely and professional verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong collaboration and facilitation skills with adults
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in facilitation of individual and small group counseling work with children Finalists will be expected to teach a demonstration SEL lesson and provide a writing sample. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: . Please be sure to include "Lower School Psychologist/Counselor" in the subject line of the email.

    Shady Hill offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance plans and paid time off. Employees must be authorized to work in the United States. Shady Hill is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. For more information on Shady Hill please visit us at .

    COVID 19 Protocols: All Shady Hill employees are required to provide proof of vaccination and to observe campus COVID protocols. All health and safety protocols are subject to change based on state, local and CDC guidelines and at the discretion of the Health and Safety Team.