We are an independent Montessori school in Chicago serving over 500 students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practices. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world.

Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org

The School Counselor works closely with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and outside professionals. The School Counselor will help identify and support social-emotional issues with individual students as well as with student groups. The School Counselor will be a part of the Student Support team, reporting to the Director of Student Wellness.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Offer social emotional support  for students on behalf of the Near North Montessori (NNM) school, consulting regularly with teachers, families and outside providers 

• Offer non-clinical support to students as an in-school resource 

• Refer students and families to outside providers, as recommended by Director of Student Wellness

• Participate in student support team meetings 

• Facilitate social-emotional psychoeducational and skill-building groups

• Maintain and monitor the use of a student wellness space  including identifying books and materials that will enhance the experience of the students

• Support teachers and other faculty, serving as a resource and expert on social-emotional and mental health topics

• Collaborate in the development of  support plans for students and guide the teachers in the implementation of social-emotional accommodations

• Assist with school-wide initiatives that address social-emotional and mental health topics related to students including parent education opportunities

• Crisis management and risk assessment with students in need of immediate mental health attention

• Continue to develop knowledge on current mental health topics related to children’s mental health and well being by attending  educational conferences, training workshops and other related activities

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

• Master’s Degree  in counseling, psychology or social work 

• 2+ years experience providing direct support to children, adolescents and families and leading social-emotional groups for school-age children; experience working with children ages 3-14; experience in a school settings preferred

• Licensed mental health professional in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Work, Counseling 

• Excellent communication skills, sound judgment and emotional maturity

• Demonstrated ability to work well with teams

• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly within a dynamic work environment

• Advanced understanding of a child's physical, social, emotional development

• Demonstrated ability to provide high level of support and assistance

• Demonstrated analytical skills; intermediate to advanced knowledge of Google Drive 

• Able to provide high level of support with excellent attention to detail

• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage tasks with changing priorities

• Demonstrates sensitivity, good judgment, and confidentiality in working with sensitive information

• Effective interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills

Pay Information: The starting salary for this position is $60,000 based on skills and experience.

Near North Montessori offers a variety of benefits which include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision options

• Short Term & Long Term Disability

• EAP Program & Pet Insurance

• Flexible Paid Time off

• Professional Development Opportunities

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.