School Counselor

Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic girls’ school outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, seeks a full time School Counselor beginning in August 2025.

Reporting to the Dean of Academics, the school counselor provides a safe, accepting, non-judgmental space for students to discuss personal and academic issues and helps to build a culture of health and wellness at school. The counselor provides short-term counseling services to students in times of crisis to support their social and emotional health at school and organizes and facilitates small group discussions for students.

In collaboration with an interdisciplinary student support team, the school counselor works to address the social, emotional and academic needs of specific students.  As an advocate for students’ mental health and education needs, the counselor works to support student access to treatment, and helps to create and maintain an emotionally healthy, productive, and safe school community.

The counselor’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the administrative team to integrate the Catholic faith and culture and in promoting the Mercy charism into the school’s entire program.
• Provide culturally competent short-term  and/or group counseling to students grades 9-12 consulting and collaborating with parents and outside treatment providers.
• In coordination with the relevant Student Support Team members proactively implement interventions and programs to help students achieve success at school.
• Provide referral to and serve as liaison between the school and outside agencies and clinicians as needed to support students.
• Build relationships with families that support students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Inform the Head of School, Assistant Head of School for Academics and Dean of Students of serious, disruptive, or potentially harmful student issues.
• Collaborate on mental health and wellness programs for students and parents.
• Facilitate crisis responses in urgent student or community mental health situations.
• Consult regularly with teachers about student mental health needs, and participate in student support team meetings.
• Support the Admissions Office by reviewing student files and conducting conversations with outside mental health professionals as needed during the admissions process, often in coordination with the school Learning Specialist.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working with culturally diverse students, families, and colleagues and contributing to building and maintaining an inclusive community.
• Conduct orientation interviews with freshmen and students new to the school.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• An appreciation and passion for the mission of Merion Mercy Academy along with a commitment to Catholic education, Mercy Core Values, mercy spirituality, global awareness and social responsibility.
• A Master’s Degree and experience working with teenagers.  Preference given to candidates with experience in trauma-informed care.
• Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work or related field preferred with at least 5 years experience in a similar role.
• Preference for experience or prior work in Catholic independent schools. 
• A professional, collaborative, team-oriented style with empathy, flexibility, and patience.
• Demonstrated ability working with and supporting a diverse population of students.
• Knowledge and experience providing culturally responsive treatment. 
• Strong knowledge of the ethical and legal considerations related to counseling practices.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Personal characteristics necessary for the position include: A genuine appreciation of  and respect for teenage girls; energy and enthusiasm for all aspects of school life; warmth and a good sense of humor; patience and persistence; sense of curiosity and love of learning.

Founded in 1884 by the Sisters of Mercy and located on a beautiful 12-acre campus on Philadelphia’s Main Line, Merion Mercy currently enrolls close to 400 students from diverse geographic areas and socioeconomic groups. Merion Mercy’s academic program consistently challenges each student to prepare for college and a lifetime of service, thus developing competent and compassionate women for the future. Merion Mercy’s faculty and staff are committed to providing a holistic education that not only stresses academic and personal excellence but also encourages all students to “Live Mercy and Seek Justice,” an educational philosophy that builds a true sense of sisterhood that extends beyond the classroom. 

Merion Mercy Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices.

Interested candidates should send a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references to Anne Gregg, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, [email protected].

More information about working at Merion Mercy Academy can be found at: www.merion-mercy.com/careers.