Leave Replacement School Psychologist/School Counselor, Grades 5-9 (Jan. 1 - June 30, 2027)

New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in Pre-K (ages 3 & 4) through Grade 9 living in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in New Canaan, CT, and serving 550 students, our mission is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. A talented and devoted faculty engages our students in developmentally appropriate ways, delivering a challenging curriculum that builds intellectual skills and fosters creative and critical thinking. We lead by example and challenge students to fulfill their potential, find their path, and follow their passions whether in the classroom, on the playing fields, on the stage, or serving the community. 

The Middle and Upper Schools serve students in Grades 5 through 9. Our teachers support the educational mission of the school as well as its core values of community, courage, curiosity and kindness. A strong teacher presence and small classes help usher children through these critical transformative years. This is especially important as they begin the natural process of developing independence and habits of mind and dispositions, including collaboration, analytical and critical thinking, communication, perseverance and risk-taking. Over these years, students hone their ability to apply their knowledge toward more sophisticated analysis and synthesis across subjects and disciplines. 

The School is now searching for a Leave Replacement Psychologist/School Counselor to work with Grades 5-9. This person is responsible for observing, assessing, and providing psychological support to help students succeed academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally at Country School. The School Psychologist/Counselor collaborates with educators, parents, the Learning Resource Team, administration, and other professionals to help create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and community. For the period January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027, the expected salary range will be $45,000 to $57,000.

Responsibilities (Grades 5-9)

• Serve as an expert in the areas of child/adolescent development, intervention, and learning
• Work with students in whole group, small group, and individual settings
• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, the Learning Resources Team, families, and outside professionals in the planning and execution of strategies to meet the needs of individual students
• Conduct risk and threat assessments, as needed, and support re-entry into the school community
• Teach Human Growth and Development programming to 7th graders twice a week and support other Life Skills classes, as needed
• Co-lead sessions for parents/guardians
• Maintain accurate and complete records through the August Schools system

• Has a master’s degree, Psy.D., or Ph.D. in school psychology, counseling psychology, school counseling, social work, or related field
• Has relevant experience with Grades 5-9 and counseling middle school-aged children
• Possesses comprehensive and detailed knowledge of modern principles and practices of psychology and psychological counseling as applied to children and adolescents
• Possesses knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
• Has an understanding of pedagogy and the connection of psychological counseling to the classroom experience 
• Has a working knowledge of how diversity, equity and inclusion factor into student and community wellness and mental health
• Possesses experience with and understanding of relevant tools available for student assessment and social-emotional learning

Competencies

• Has a deep commitment to bringing out the best in each child
• Has the ability to connect with students across multiple ages
• Possesses strong, effective oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates cultural competency
• Has the willingness and ability to lead open and honest conversations with families
• Has the willingness and ability to collaborate closely with administrators and teachers in various ways to support students and families
• Is organized and efficient in work
• Is kind, warm, and joyful in interactions with members of our community 
• Can present to and facilitate large group sessions
• Has the ability and skill set to handle crises 
• Works with a diverse range of families and needs
• Possesses knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon individualized student needs