Upper School Counselor

The Holton-Arms School seeks a collaborative, flexible, and enthusiastic School Counselor to join our vibrant Upper School for the 2025-26 school year. This is a full-time 10-month position.

Founded more than a century ago, Holton-Arms School encourages young women in grades 3-12 to approach the world with a thirst for challenge, unflinching curiosity, and a sense of responsibility to use what they learn for the greatest good. A nationally-recognized school that prioritizes purposeful connections, Holton is a vibrant place where both students and faculty are deeply engaged in the process of learning and bring tremendous spirit and passion to their work.

With a long legacy of excellence in educating girls, Holton provides students with time-tested and future-forward programming, preparing them for what the world needs next. The mission of the Holton-Arms School is to cultivate the unique potential of young women through the “education not only of the mind, but of the soul and spirit.” Founded in 1901 by two visionary women, Holton-Arms continues to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school community; tend to the health and wellbeing of its members; and build a global curriculum that responds to the learners in its classrooms and the world around us.

The school’s aspirations and current program are rooted in Mrs. Holton’s founding vision: “My high hope is that they who enter through the ‘Open Door’ of Holton-Arms remember they felt, in the friendliness of a home, the urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles as the way to happiness and the fullest life.” In this vibrant community committed to academic excellence, discovery, creativity, and joy, students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from mistakes, pursue leadership opportunities, and build lifelong friendships. The school motto, Inveniam viam aut faciam (I will find a way or make one), exemplifies this spirit of agency and empowerment.

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, talents, and interests who share our passion for helping girls learn, grow, and thrive. Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world. 

Position Overview

The Upper School Counselor’s primary goals are to assist Upper School students by offering social-emotional support and to collaborate with teachers, the Division Director, and the Student-Centered Support Team in developing and implementing programming to meet the diverse needs of the Holton-Arms community. The Upper School Counselor will build relationships with students and provide short-term and intermittent social-emotional support, making recommendations for treatment, including referrals to outside treatment, when necessary. This position reports directly to the Head of Upper School and collaborates closely with the Assistant Head of Upper School.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the Student-centered Support Team who collaborates with teachers, advisors, deans, learning specialists, school nurse, administrators, and parents/guardians to develop appropriate and effective plans to meet the individual needs of each student.
• Provide consultation to faculty, staff, and parents regarding psychosocial issues affecting students and general adolescent development.
• Collaborate with others to implement social-emotional and student programs (e.g. Advisory, Learn Well, Live Well, Lead Well (LW3), Mental Health Day Conference)  
• Serve as a trusted resource and first responder in moments of crisis for students, parents and the community at large.
• Continue to enrich and evolve the counseling program through comprehensive programming designed to meet the ever-changing needs of students and families.
• Collaborate with the Middle School Counselor regarding the 8th to 9th grade transition.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in clinical or school psychology required.
• Maryland State license and/or certification preferred.
• Previous experience working with adolescent girls and families.
• Strong knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to school-based counseling practices.
• Demonstrated skills and competency in providing mental health services to a diverse audience across racial, ethnic, religious, gender, ability, and socio-economic class identity.
• Deep understanding of high-performing school communities and school-based programs. Previous experience working in an independent school preferred.
• Excellent clinical, interpersonal, and management skills. Highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
• A collaborative, team-based approach to working with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and outside care providers.
• Experience co-facilitating courageous conversations with students and/or faculty regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and mental health.
• A passion for working with adolescent high achieving girls, an openness to collaborate, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a sense of humor are essential.

Salary Information

The average salary range for this position is $115,000 to $125,000, the exact salary to be determined based on education and experience. Additional stipends are available for coaching, certain club sponsorship, and significant commitments outside of the normal scope of the position. Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer contribution to medical, dental, and vision; life and disability insurance; 403b retirement savings with an employer match and non-elective contribution; employee assistance program, tuition remission for eligible children; professional development opportunities; paid parental leave after one year of employment; paid sick and personal days; and lunch is provided on school days.

Application Details

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, statement of educational philosophy, and the names and contact information of three references (one of whom must be a current or most recent supervisor).

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement

Holton-Arms cherishes the uniqueness of each of our members including current and former students, faculty, and staff. We seek to create an inclusive environment that sees, values, and supports diverse identities and experiences, cultivates engaging discourse, and empowers our students to be thriving members of the global community.

At Holton-Arms, each of us is responsible for fostering an equitable, respectful, and just community. We are committed to:

• Discovering, developing, and valuing our full authentic selves.
• Deepening awareness of personal and systemic biases and being accountable for the impact of our words and actions.
• Developing an understanding of the historical origins and perpetuation of systems of power and privilege.
• Engaging in open and brave conversations that promote growth, understanding, connection, and agency.
• Embracing every individual as essential to the community.