School Counselor - Lower School

About Holton-Arms

Founded in 1901, Holton-Arms School is a nationally recognized independent school for girls in grades 3-12 that encourages young women to approach the world with curiosity, courage and a sense of responsibility to use their talents for the greater good. Rooted in a long legacy of excellence and guided by future-forward thinking, Holton-Arms offers a vibrant, purpose-driven learning environment where students, faculty, and staff bring deep engagement, spirit, and passion to their work.

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. Students are scholars, artists, and athletes who find their voices, take risks, learn from challenges, and build lifelong friendships – embodying the school’s motto, “ Inveniam viam aut faciam” (“I will find a way or make one”). Together, we are committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow who will make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

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 Holton-Arms School seeks a collaborative, flexible, and enthusiastic School Counselor to join our joyful Lower School for the 2026-27 school year. This is a full-time, in-person, 10-month position. The Lower School Counselor’s primary goals are to assist Lower School students by offering social-emotional support and to collaborate with teachers, the Division Head, and the Student-Centered Support Team in developing and implementing programming to meet the diverse needs of the Holton-Arms community. The Lower School Counselor will build relationships with students and their families 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 Lower School and collaborates closely with the Assistant Head of Lower 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 child and adolescent development.
• Oversee the 6th grade Advisory program and provide leadership in grade-level homeroom Responsive Classroom practices and collaborate with others to implement social-emotional and student programs (e.g. Advisory, Affinity Spaces).
• Collaborate with Middle and Upper School counselors the leadership and implementation of the Lower School Seminar program.
• Teach Lower School Seminar. 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 6th to 7th grade transition.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in school counseling, social work, psychology, or related field, and/or certification as a school counselor required.
• Maryland State license and/or certification preferred.
• Previous experience working with elementary-age girls and their 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 is preferred.
• Experience with Responsive Classroom practices and Restorative Practices.
• 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 elementary-age girls, an openness to collaborate, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a sense of humor are essential.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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.

Salary and Benefits

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).