Counselor
Job Title: Counselor
Reporting Line: Dean of Students
Franklin Academy seeks a compassionate, student‑centered Counselor to support the social, emotional, and personal growth of neurodivergent adolescents in our community‑oriented residential school. This engaging role involves providing individual and small‑group support, collaborating closely with academic and residential staff, and guiding students as they develop emotional‑regulation skills, healthy coping strategies, and greater independence. The Counselor is an active member of daily campus life, offering support both in and out of traditional office settings and participating in residential activities, school programming, and ongoing professional development.
Key Responsibilities & Oversight
1. Student Counseling & Clinical Support
- Serve as a primary counseling resource for assigned students, providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Conduct individual counseling sessions tailored to each student’s cognitive, emotional, and developmental profile.
- Design and facilitate group counseling experiences focused on social skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and adaptive skills.
- Apply evidence-based techniques to support student growth and well-being.
2. Residential & Community Support
- Provide milieu counseling support in residential and community settings.
- Participate in residential interventions as needed to support students daily living, social integration, and emotional health.
- Serve in assigned residential coverage duties, including one weekday evening per week and weekend rotations.
- Provide crisis intervention and emotional support during evenings, weekends, and on-call situations.
3. Collaboration & Consultation
- As a member of the Student Life Division, consult regularly with residential and academic staff to support student success and coordinate interventions.
- Participate in multidisciplinary Student Life meetings to review student progress and update support strategies and interventions.
- Coordinate care and maintain communication with outside psychiatric and therapeutic providers.
- Maintain open, consistent communication with parents and caregivers regarding student progress and concerns.
4. Program Development
- Contribute to the student life division through enhancing the vision of the counseling department in alignment with Franklin Academy’s mission.
- Participate in staff training and provide professional support to colleagues when appropriate.
5. Community Engagement & School Service
- Chaperone off-campus trips and school-related travel.
- Serve on Franklin Academy committees as assigned.
- Actively participate in school-wide professional development activities.
- Engage fully in the life of the school community, including residential and extracurricular programming.
Qualifications & Desired Background
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a closely related field.
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Licensure:
- Must be license-eligible for a State of Connecticut license in a mental health or school counseling area, required.
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Experience & Expertise:
- Experience working with neurodivergent adolescents is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of cognitive techniques, group counseling, and family systems.
- Ability to work effectively in a residential, collaborative school environment.
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Skills:
- Excellent communication skills with students, families, and professionals.
- Strong collaboration and consultation abilities.
- Crisis intervention competencies.
- Flexibility, initiative, and strong professional judgment.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a 10-month, full-time position with year-round benefits (mid-August through mid-June), with opportunities to participate in Summer at Franklin from the end of June to - end of July for an additional stipend.
- Salary established based on education and experience.
- Housing Stipend.
- Access to health insurance, dental plan, and life insurance.
- Participation in a matched retirement fund (TIAA-CREF).
- Use of school facilities, including dining services when available.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- A cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three professional references
Application materials should be submitted electronically to hr@fa-ct.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The priority deadline for initial review is Monday, March 9, 2026.
Franklin Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.