San Francisco Waldorf High School is seeking an experienced counselor to work in a small independent high school. The High School Guidance Counselor acts as a resource to support students as they journey through four years of high school education during their adolescent years, supporting the development of positive self-esteem, helping students identify behavior patterns that may hinder their success, and acting as an adult guide to assist students in learning to make choices that unfold their full potential. Among other duties, the High School Counselor supports students and the student learning environment on a day-to-day basis, refers students and families to outside counselors as appropriate, and is a member of our Individualized Learning Committee.

SF Waldorf School was established in 1979, and our high school was founded in 1997. We are on two campuses in San Francisco.  The high school enrollment is 150 and the lower school approximately 300, not counting our early childhood program. Our school has a wealth of teaching experience, vibrant programs and engaged, eager students.

This is a 1 FTE exempt faculty position.

Start date: immediately or August 2024

Qualifications of the High School Counselor:

The Counselor will have a vision of the direction education must take in order to speak meaningfully to the adolescent of today as well as a holistic, developmental understanding of the adolescent. We are seeking a Licensed MFT or LCSW and/or PPS credential. Intern level MFT or LCSW may be considered. Equivalent credentials from outside California are also welcome to apply. A true interest in and ability to connect with teenagers is a must, as well as excellent organizational, facilitation and communication skills. Experience with restorative practices is preferred. Knowledge of and experience with Waldorf Education preferred but not required.

Responsibilities of the High School Counselor:

• The primary role of the HS Counselor is to support students and families on a day-to-day basis. The types of support provided to students and families may include: support with time management and stress; help student manage a mental health diagnosis; respond to student crises; support social-emotional awareness and provide skills for navigating relationships with peers; consult with guardians and provide family or student with relevant referrals for outside counseling or other resources within and outside of the school; obtain release and consult as needed with outside professionals who are working with our students such as therapists, medical doctors, psychiatrists and social workers; contact CPS if needed; facilitate conversation between student and teacher; facilitate conflict resolution meetings between students. HS Counselor is expected to appropriately document all meetings with students, families, and teachers according to their license standards.
• Member of the Individualized Learning Committee (ILC); attend weekly ILC meetings to discuss students with learning differences. Facilitate or attend meetings with students and parents regarding behavior / learning needs as needed. Co-case manage student accommodations based on a mental health diagnosis.
• Teach Health to 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th grades including Sex Ed, drug and alcohol education, identity awareness and tools for healthy living. TThe HS Counselor must have a strong interest in adolescent Health and create the curriculum for these classes. As the Health Educator, the HS Counselor is responsible for bringing in outside speakers and/or organizations to provide further health education to students and sometimes parents/guardians.
• 9th Grade; attend the spring orientation for the incoming 9th and support students as they transition into high school; 9th grade orientation team member at the beginning of school.
• Coordinate the Peer Mentoring Program, including recruiting, training and supporting this group of 12th graders in their effort to support students and bridge the gap between the older and younger grades.
• Safety Committee Member; tasked with promoting awareness of mental health issues and resources for all community members.
• Academic Advisor to students, as needed.

Benefits and Compensation:

This is a 1 FTE position which comes with full benefits including medical, dental, flexible spending plans, retirement plan (after one year), and tuition remission for eligible dependents in our Preschool – Grade 12 program. Salary is $60,000 to $95,000 depending on experience. Salaries are paid on a 12-month schedule.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat and cold
• Regularly sitting or standing 4-8 hours

San Francisco Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion. All minorities are encouraged to apply.

Please send resume and letter of interest to jobs@sfwaldorf.org