Upper School Counselor/Psychologist

Germantown Academy  

We inspire students to be: Independent in Thought • Confident in Expression •  

Compassionate in Spirit • Collaborative in Action • Honorable in Deed 

Position Title: Upper School Counselor/Psychologist

Germantown Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school located on a beautiful 126-acre campus in the Fort Washington suburbs near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The school serves more than 1,200 students in grades PK-12. Founded in 1759, GA is America’s oldest non-sectarian day school with rich traditions and a strong commitment to ongoing innovation of curricular and pedagogical practices. 

Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds.  

Position Purpose 

The Upper School Counselor/Psychologist will report to the Director of Counseling Services and Upper School Head and will collaborate with the GA clinical team. The role requires particular expertise in the areas of adolescent social and emotional development, resiliency skill building, counseling strategies for prevention, treatment, consultation, and crisis management.

We are seeking candidates who… 

• Have 5+ years of proven successful work with children and families in a clinical setting, school, or private practice
• Hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, School Psychology, and/or Social Work  
• Are excited to work with and support upper school-aged students (Grades 9-12) 
• Demonstrate a collaborative and growth mindset as a counselor and as a professional 
• Possess the cultural competency necessary for working with a diverse population in an equitable and inclusive community 
• Demonstrate the flexibility to use technology in support of student learning and other professional responsibilities 
• Communicate well, both in writing and verbally, with colleagues, students, and families 
• Model a culture of flexible, continuous learning to challenge and support students 

Core Job Responsibilities: 

This role is full-time counseling with the following major responsibilities: 

• Provide short-term counseling and consultation to Upper School students, parents, faculty, and administration.  
• Consult with faculty and parents on the emotional well-being of Upper School students. 
• Collaborate with other Upper School counselors to ensure consistent care for Upper School students.
• Provide crisis intervention and situation specific interventions.
• Collaborate with the team of Upper, Middle, and Lower School psychologists and counselors to ensure smooth transitions for our students from PreK-12.
• Assist other divisional counselors/psychologists with counseling needs, as needed.
• Serve on Upper School Germantown Academy Intervention Network team.
• Work with the US Psychologist, the Counseling Department, and the Health and Wellness department on the development of psychoeducational groups, Tier 1 levels of support (prevention) and other programming to educate and support the Germantown Academy community on issues related to mental health and well-being and SEL.  
• Support students in grades 9-12 with executive function, study skills, and general learning support. 
• Collaborate with Upper/Middle School learning/reading specialist.
• Provide classroom teachers with feedback and make recommendations for individual students. 
• Teach 9^th grade SEL seminars 1x/7-day rotation. 
• Participate fully in the life of the Upper School by serving as an Advisor and House team member. 
• Help lead or support extracurricular activities in areas of expertise and interest. 
• Other responsibilities include attending regular faculty meetings, professional learning communities, in-service days, and other supervision duties as assigned.