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Early Childhood and Upper Elementary Guidance Counselor
Saint John’s School is an equal opportunity employer and makes all decisions regarding employment, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment without regard to a candidate or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans status, sexual orientation, or other characteristics protected by USA and Puerto Rico laws.
Interested candidates please send a letter of interest and Curriculum Vitae to:
Ms. Karla Ocasio, HR Director
Ms. Karla Ocasio, HR Director
1454 Ashford Ave, San Juan, PR 00907
Fax: 787-268-1454 E-mail: employment@sjspr.org
Early Childhood and Upper Elementary Guidance Counselor
Position Summary:
Saint John's School, a Toddler to 12-grade co-ed secular school, actively seeks a dedicated and collaborative Elementary School Guidance Counselor to support students from Toddlers through Grade 6.
This 11-month position plays a vital role in nurturing the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young learners. The Guidance Counselor provides direct counseling services, crisis intervention, and proactive social-emotional programming while partnering closely with faculty, administrators, families, and outside professionals to ensure students thrive academically and developmentally.
The counselor is an integral member of the student support team and works collaboratively with school leadership, nurses, learning specialists, and other mental health professionals to promote a safe, inclusive, and developmentally responsive learning environment.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in School Counseling, School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Licensed Mental Health Counseling, or a related field.
- Appropriate licensure or certification for school-based counseling (Puerto Rico credential preferred or eligibility for licensure).
- A minimum of four (4) years of elementary as a School Counselor experience, preferably within a private or independent school setting.
- Experience working with young children (early childhood and elementary).
- Strong understanding of early childhood and elementary development.
- Demonstrated experience in individual counseling, small-group facilitation, and crisis intervention.
- Patience, flexibility, and passion for working with young children.
- Exemplary work ethic, a positive demeanor, adaptability, and a willingness to undertake assigned tasks.
- Excellent written and oral skills in both English and Spanish a must.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Commitment to inclusive practices and continued growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Strong foundation in restorative practices.
- Experience leading or supporting school-wide SEL initiatives.
- Enthusiasm for lifelong learning, innovation, and reflective practice.
- Openness to feedback and professional growth.
- Ability to work independently and with others.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community.
- Understand and exhibit high standards of professional conduct.
- Effective ability to organize, prioritize and manage time adequately.
- Willingness to commit and become an active participant in school life.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Professional Knowledge
- Direct Student Support
- Provide developmentally appropriate individual counseling, small-group counseling, and short-term crisis intervention for students (Toddlers–Grade 6).
- Conduct student observations across classroom and school settings.
- Develop and implement behavioral modification and support plans.
- Perform classroom lessons and small-group interventions aligned with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) objectives.
- Conduct evaluation sessions using interviews, play-based assessments, counseling sessions, and other appropriate tools to assess and advise students, families, and teachers.
- Counsel students to help them understand and navigate personal, social, and behavioral challenges that impact their educational and emotional development.
- Provide conflict resolution support and implement restorative practices.
- Support students in preparation for key developmental and academic transitions.
Crisis Intervention & Follow-Through
- Provide immediate crisis intervention when difficult situations arise at school or at home.
- Develop and monitor safety or intervention plans as needed.
- Conduct follow-up meetings to ensure student needs are effectively addressed.
- Coordinate referrals and submit progress reports as appropriate.
Collaboration & Consultation
- Partner closely with the School Psychologist and Secondary Division School Counselor to ensure continuity and alignment of student support from early childhood through secondary school.
- Consult regularly with teachers and school leadership regarding student mental health, classroom dynamics, and developmental concerns.
- Serve as a resource for students, families, and faculty regarding early childhood and elementary development.
- Participate in grade-level meetings, student support team meetings, committee meetings, and other meetings as deemed necessary by the Principal or Division Leadership.
- Collaborate with administrators and faculty to ensure students are academically on grade level and developmentally supported.
- Coordinate and collaborate with outside treatment providers and therapists; document recommendations, develop behavior modification programs, and provide follow-through.
- Partner with school nurses, learning specialists, administrators, and other support personnel to ensure comprehensive student care.
Family Engagement
- Provide parental guidance through individual meetings and workshops.
- Offer resources and recommendations to families to support students’ social-emotional growth.
- Maintain open and supportive communication with parents and guardians.
Program Leadership & Professional Responsibilities
- Support and strengthen school-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives.
- Participate in the evaluation and ongoing development of the school’s guidance program.
- Participate in the school’s Admissions Committee. Perform observations of student candidates and provide recommendations for admission.
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and complete student records in accordance with laws, ethical standards, and school policies.
- Complete written reports as requested by school leadership.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities to remain current in best practices.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or Division Leadership.
How to Apply:
- Interested candidate, please send a letter of interest detailing your qualifications, teaching philosophy, three (3) references, and your Curriculum Vitae to employment@sjspr.org. Please include in the subject line. "Early Childhood and Upper Elementary School Guidance Counselor".
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