Job Title: The Bush School – Lower School Counselor (3-5) Faculty (Seattle, WA) 

Department: Lower School

Reports To:  Lower School Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

On-Site: Yes

FTE: 0.6 FTE

Pay Range: $48,000-$75,000 depending on experience (for .6 FTE position)

Who Thrives at Bush

You find joy in working with students and alongside a passionate, thoughtful community of educators. You believe deeply that learning is most powerful when it is experiential, and when students learn by doing, exploring, and reflecting, rather than simply being told what to know and remember. You are invested in the growth of children as whole people, supporting their curiosity, sense of purpose, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities, both within and beyond the classroom. You are a lifelong learner who welcomes both support and challenge, and you are excited by the opportunity to continue developing your craft in a collegial, reflective environment. You are energized by contributing your skills and ideas, making a meaningful impact, and being part of something larger than yourself.

Who We Are

Founded in 1924 and located in Seattle’s Madison Valley neighborhood, The Bush School is an independent school serving students from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. Bush offers a rich, intellectually engaging program grounded in experiential learning, designed to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities. Our curriculum challenges students to think deeply and creatively, preparing them to thrive in future endeavors while remaining rooted in the school’s longstanding core values.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community in which every individual can say, “I belong.” We seek educators and staff who are passionate about their work, highly skilled in their practice, and who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our community. We believe deeply in the role education and diverse learning environments play in advancing equity, inclusion, and a shared sense of responsibility for one another.

Summary of position:

The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our Lower School team as a Lower School Counselor.  We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the school’s mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.  We are building a team in which diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and talents are valued in order to work with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Lower School Counselor reports to the Lower School Director and works closely with students and families, as well as Lower School Faculty and Staff in grades 3-5, while also being an active member of the school’s Support Services Department. This position will be responsible for the collaboration and consultation for the creation of interventions for students in need of emotional/behavioral support.

While other duties may be assigned, a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below:

·       An understanding of childhood development and experience with elementary age students

·       Coordination and collaboration with Lower School Counselor for grades K-2

·       Crisis intervention with students (including family and staff as relevant or related)

·       Student support team meeting participation to holistically support students with academic and social emotional needs

·       Development of individual support plans (behavior plans, volunteer opportunities, mentoring) to address identified student goals 

·       Whole group (classroom) interventions as needed in collaboration with teaching staff

·       Coordination with outside supports (therapists, hospitals, crisis coordinator, etc.) when applicable

·       Development and implementation of Parent education support, workshops, and communications

·       Facilitate counseling sessions with individuals or small groups (short term basis)

·       Provide referrals for families who need more prolonged social, emotional, and behavioral support

·       Development of lower school programming to identify and address larger community concerns (i.e. bullying, technology use, etc.) 

·       Collaborate with Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School Counselors as needed

·       Divisional responsibilities including recess duties, lunch duties, etc.

Experience and Professional Competencies:

·       Experience in counseling is required, with 3 or more years required, 5 plus years preferred 

·       A bachelor’s and master’s degree is required

Successful candidates will have:

·       A philosophy that aligns with the school’s mission and values – please review the school’s mission and values on our website (www.bush.edu) 

·       The capacity and desire to engage in experiential activities and programs with students 

·       The ability to be patient and positive and find joy in the journey of promoting a lifelong love of learning  

·       An ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with others, including administrators, colleagues, staff, students and families in order to maintain constructive and professional relationships 

·       A commitment to completing work in a timely and thorough manner while being conscientious about assignments and deadlines 

·       A willingness to participate in professional growth/development opportunities  

·       Have proficient skills in the use of technology, including, but not limited to Mac or Windows OS, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and relevant cloud-based tools

Additional Requirements:

·       Have a current Adult and Children CPR, First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date)

·       Meet the school’s standards when completing two separate background screenings

HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at www.bush.edu and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the “About Bush” tab) for additional information/instructions.

If you are interested in working at The Bush School, but this position doesn’t fit your talents, please visit our website for additional openings: www.bush.edu.

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information.  In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.

*This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship.