The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, an independent, college-preparatory, Catholic, all-girls’ day school, seeks an experienced and engaging Upper School Counselor to begin November 2024. Founded in 1856 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school, located on the Main Line outside Philadelphia, is dedicated to teaching young women “what they need to know for life” in preparation for responsible living in a global society. 

Reporting to the Director of Student Support and Well-Being, the Upper School Counselor guides and implements a comprehensive counseling program for students in grades 9 through 12, consistent with the standards set forth by the American School Counseling Association and within the parameters of the Academy of Notre Dame’s mission. The Upper School Counselor leads grade-specific seminar classes and counsels individual students in their academic, social-emotional, and future-focused development. S/he has experience and comfort supporting students with learning differences and actively collaborates with the Learning Specialists and other members of the Student Support and Well-Being team. S/he builds strong partnerships with families and students and encourages a safe, supportive, and inclusive school climate. The Upper School Counselor is well-versed in current trends in secondary education and school counseling, experienced in social-emotional and mental health programming and best practices, skilled in supporting students with diverse learning needs, and both enthusiastic and practiced in DEIB-centered work. The ideal candidate is an empathetic, thoughtful communicator with a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural humility. 

The long-term substitute Upper School Counselor will begin in late November and continue through February. S/he contributes positively to employee morale; maintains a professional, pleasant demeanor to all constituencies; maintains confidentiality on school matters both on and off campus; and supports the school’s mission. The Upper School Counselor serves on the Student Support and Well-Being Team.

Responsibilities:

• Implements the upper school counseling curriculum through delivery of developmentally appropriate lesson plans consistent with American School Counseling Association Standards and the school’s mission in three domains:  academic, career, and social development.
• Guides individuals and groups of students through the development of educational and career plans using Scior as a resource.
• Counsels individuals and small groups of students facing difficulties. 
• Consult regularly with faculty, parents, school nurse, learning specialist(s), and administration as necessary regarding upper school student concerns and interventions.
• Refers students and families to external programs, specialists, and resources as needed.
• With the Learning Specialists, participate in and help facilitate educational intervention plans.
• Collaborates in developing resources to share in the school’s weekly communication with parents.
• Serves as an upper school advisor 
• Serves as a member of the Student Support Team.
• Embraces and promotes a culture of ongoing professional growth.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling
• Certification as a School Counselor
• Three to five years of experience in a school setting

OTHER COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills
• High degree of emotional intelligence and cultural humility
• Unwavering professionalism

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Bridget Bonner at bbonner@ndapa.org. Start Date: November, 2024

About Academy of Notre Dame de Namur

Located just outside Philadelphia, in Villanova, Pennsylvania, the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school that commits itself to the education of young women in grades 6 through 12 for responsible living in a global society.

Connections working at Academy of Notre Dame de Namur