Reports directly to: Director of Early Learning Center and Lower School
Department: Early Learning Center (ELC) and Lower School
Position type: Full-time Exempt, 10-month contract
Location: Antilles School, 7280 Frenchman Bay, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Start Date: August 13, 2026
The School Counselor plays an important role in supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental well-being of Antilles School students in Toddler through Grade 5. This role provides direct student support, implements developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning, and partners with faculty and families to help children thrive within a safe, inclusive school community.
The counselor works collaboratively with the Division Leadership team of the Early Learning Center and Lower School, classroom teachers, learning support colleagues, administrators, and families to identify student needs, coordinate appropriate support, and promote positive school culture. The role includes individual and small-group counseling, classroom lessons, crisis response, consultation, and participation in the Student Support Team process.
Ideal candidates are warm, child-centered, culturally competent, and skilled at building trust with young children and adults. They bring strong communication skills, sound professional judgment, discretion, and a commitment to the school's mission of fostering excellence, diversity, and community.
Core Responsibilities
Student Counseling & Social-Emotional Support
Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to support students' social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs
Respond to student concerns with empathy, discretion, and developmentally appropriate interventions
Support students in building self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, conflict-resolution skills, and healthy peer relationships
Provide crisis response and follow-up support in partnership with school leadership and appropriate outside professionals
Use restorative, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices to support student growth and belonging
Counseling Program & Classroom Support
Plan, implement, and evaluate a developmentally appropriate school counseling program for Toddler through Grade 5
Teach social-emotional learning lessons and provide classroom-based support in partnership with teachers
Support positive behavior practices, mindfulness, character development, and age-appropriate problem-solving routines
Maintain knowledge of current research, trends, ethical standards, and best practices in elementary and early childhood counseling
Contribute to SEL program planning, advisory/community-building efforts, and schoolwide student wellness initiatives
Collaboration, Family Partnership & Student Support
Build positive, professional relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and administrators
Consult with teachers and families to share appropriate strategies that support students' social-emotional and academic development
Participate in the Student Support Team process and collaborate on accommodations, referrals, and follow-up plans
Coordinate referrals to outside providers when additional evaluation, counseling, or specialized support is needed
Communicate with families in a respectful, timely, and partnership-oriented manner while maintaining appropriate confidentiality
Ethics, Confidentiality & Professional Practice
Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential student records in accordance with school procedures and applicable laws
Understand and apply professional ethics and legal responsibilities related to school counseling, including confidentiality, mandated reporting, ADA, FERPA, and HIPAA as applicable
Advocate for students' dignity, safety, inclusion, and full participation in the life of the school
Use bias-aware, developmentally appropriate observation and support practices when interpreting student behavior and needs
Community & Professionalism
Work collaboratively with colleagues to support a positive, cohesive, and inclusive school environment
Participate meaningfully in faculty meetings, professional development, student support meetings, and school events
Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, sound judgment, and active engagement throughout the school day
Promote the School, its mission, its philosophy, and its programs
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in school counseling, counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred
School counseling certification, licensure, or comparable professional credential preferred
Experience providing counseling or student support services in an early childhood, elementary, or school setting preferred
Strong understanding of early childhood and elementary child development, social-emotional learning, and student wellness frameworks
Knowledge of and ability to apply the ethical standards and principles of the school counseling profession
Commitment to inclusive school practices, cultural competence, equity, justice, and the dignity of each child and family
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with students, families, colleagues, and outside providers
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage confidential information, priorities, documentation, and follow-up in a dynamic school environment
Proficiency with educational technology, Google Workspace, and school-based student information or communication systems
Warm, child-centered approach with strong interpersonal skills, discretion, flexibility, and a growth mindset
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a dynamic, diverse school environment
Antilles School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and school needs. Antilles School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process due to a disability may contact us to request assistance. Information received related to accommodation will be treated confidentially.
This job posting is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Antilles School reserves the right to modify job descriptions or job postings at any time, as business needs may dictate.
