Middle School Counselor at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bethesda, Maryland

Job Description:

Stone Ridge is seeking a Middle School Counselor to begin work in August 2025.

Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, a member of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, is a Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls, Grades 1-12, with a co-educational Early Childhood Program, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten in Bethesda, Maryland. With over 780 students, and rooted in the Goals of Sacred Heart education, Stone Ridge inspires young women to lead and serve, through lives of purpose that integrate faith, intellect, community, social action, and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom.

The Middle School Counselor plays a vital role in fostering students’ social, emotional, and personal growth. In collaboration with the other Middle School Counselor, faculty, staff, and administrators, the Counselor ensures a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all students are valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Through a comprehensive counseling program, the Counselor promotes student well-being, strengthens belonging, and addresses the diverse needs of every student.  

The Middle School Counselor will perform in the following areas: 

Student support: 

• provide individual and small-group counseling focused on students’ social, emotional, and psychological well-being.
• assist students in areas of emotional regulation, relationship-building, identity development, social and emotional development and personal growth.
• serve as a consistent, trusted presence for students, with particular attention to those from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• collaborate with faculty, staff, and parents to understand and meet the students’ emotional and social needs. 
• create a safe and welcoming environment that fosters inclusivity and belonging for all students. 
• make appropriate referrals for students and parents to outside agencies as needed. 
• work closely with Learning Strategists, Educational Technologists, and teachers to develop student support strategies. 
• maintain clear communication and provide opportunities for parent education 
• serve as a collaborative member of the Middle School Student Support Team.
• uphold confidentiality and ethical counseling practices. 

Teaching & Professional Development

• develop and deliver counseling curriculum on topics such as empathy, digital citizenship, conflict resolution, stress management, and inclusivity.
• serve as a Middle School Advisor and other duties as assigned. 
• support faculty professional development in adolescent mental health.
• contribute to school-wide initiatives promoting social-emotional learning and equity-focused mental health practices.
• support the professional development of teachers in the arena of adolescent mental health.
• actively engage in professional growth to remain current in best practices within the counseling field and to enhance cultural competency. 
• actively participate in the new employee formation program.
• support school events, athletic games, masses, retreats, social action, and other initiatives, contributing to a positive, student-centered community where relationships are marked by mutual respect and care.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in school counseling, social work, psychology or related field.
• Maryland State license and/or certification preferred
• Minimum of five years relevant counseling experience, ideally in Catholic and/or independent schools with adolescent girls and families. Experience working with Middle School girls is a plus.

Essential skills and characteristics:

• Excellent technology skills, including experience using the Google suite, Magnus, our Student Health Information System, or another such system. 
• Strong knowledge of ethical and legal considerations related to school-based counseling practices.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and follow-through skills.
• Deep understanding of the school’s Catholic identity and alignment with Sacred Heart values, including the dignity of each person, the importance of relationships, and the importance of spiritual life. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement counseling curricula.
• Strong cultural competency and ability to build trust with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in engaging students, families, and colleagues on identity, belonging, and mental health.

Like all employees of Sacred Heart schools, the successful candidate is enthusiastically committed to school life and the mission of the School as expressed in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education.

Compensation includes salary commensurate with experience, with the salary range for this position likely falling somewhere between $65,000 and $95,000, depending on years/type of experience and level of education. Stone Ridge offers competitive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurances; generous vacation, holiday, and sick time; 403(b) contribution; long and short-term disability; and life insurance. 

Stone Ridge is looking for an educator who is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and who has experience or interest in working in independent and/or Catholic schools, public, or charter schools. Applicants of diverse, underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.  Interested candidates should complete the application online, www.stoneridgeschool.org/employment. As part of the online application, please upload a resume, list of references, and cover letter addressed to Ms. Courtney Perna, Human Resources Manager, all in PDF format.

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