Overview
Intellectus Preparatory Charter School, a dynamic 6-12 public charter school located in Mount Vernon, NY, aims to serve over 300 scholars in the coming five years. Our mission is to offer an equitable, comprehensive educational experience, preparing scholars for future academic and career successes. By integrating experiential learning, restorative practices, and personal development, we strive to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful societal contributions. Our innovative curriculum merges STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) with entrepreneurship, fostering curiosity and critical thinking through active engagement and reflection. At Intellectus Prep, we're dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap, emphasizing financial literacy, and cultivating an environment that challenges discrimination, encourages activism, and values empathy and respect.
Why Join Us as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor
The Clinical Mental Health Counselor is responsible for leading a school-wide, instructionally grounded counseling program. This role goes beyond traditional counseling—it requires designing and delivering direct instruction, structured small group counseling, and targeted interventions within the daily counseling course.
You will build systems that ensure every scholar receives consistent, high-quality mental health support while also developing the capacity of staff to reinforce these practices across the school.
Responsibilities
Mental Health Instruction & Counseling Course Implementation
- Design and deliver daily counseling instruction as part of the core counseling course for grades 6–12
- Develop and execute structured small group counseling sessions aligned to scholar needs (e.g., emotional regulation, identity development, academic pressure, behavior patterns)
- Use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and expressive therapies within both whole-group instruction and small group settings
- Create scope and sequence for counseling curriculum, ensuring progression from self-awareness in middle school to identity, values, and post-secondary alignment in high school
- Track and respond to scholar data to adjust instruction and small group interventions within 48 hours
Targeted Intervention & Scholar Support
- Identify scholars requiring additional support and lead strategic small group and individualized counseling interventions
- Partner with teachers and leadership to align behavioral, academic, and emotional supports
- Ensure counseling is proactive, structured, and measurable—not reactive
School Culture & Staff Development
- Train staff to reinforce counseling strategies within classrooms, including emotional regulation, reflection, and restorative practices
- Lead professional development focused on mental health, SEL integration, and trauma-informed instruction
- Establish clear, school-wide expectations for how counseling and mental health show up in daily practice
Family & Community Engagement
- Engage families as partners in scholar development, providing clear strategies and communication around mental health and behavior
- Build and manage partnerships that enhance counseling services and expand scholar access to resources
Management & Leadership
- Supervise counseling staff and ensure alignment to the school’s instructional counseling model
- Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure counseling is fully integrated into academic systems, culture, and data cycles
- Hold the counseling program accountable to clear outcomes and measurable impact
Competencies
- Deep belief that all scholars can develop with the right structure, support, and accountability
- Ability to lead both instruction and intervention, not just provide support services
- Strong systems thinking with the ability to translate vision into daily execution
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence both scholars and adults
- High level of ownership, urgency, and adaptability
Educational Background and Work Experience
- Master’s Degree in a relevant field required
- Clinical license (e.g. LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) is required
- Minimum of three years of experience in mental health, SEL, or school-based counseling
- Demonstrated experience leading group counseling, instruction, or youth development programs
- Master’s Degree preferred
Compensation
The starting salary for this position is $70,000, reflective of experience and qualifications.
Commitment to Equity
Intellectus Prep is committed to building a diverse, high-performing team. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who reflect the communities we serve and bring additional language skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
Ability to Relocate:
- Mount Vernon, NY 10550: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
