Director of Student Life (School Counselor)
St. Francis Cathedral School
Metuchen, NJ

The St. Francis Cathedral School is a Catholic Pre-K to 8th grade school in the Diocese of Metuchen (Metuchen, NJ) with over 400 students. St. Francis Cathedral School prides itself in its rich Catholic faith and its academic excellence as a National Blue Ribbon School.

We are committed to the development of our students’ spiritual and intellectual formation. We deliver a unique and profound educational experience that meets the needs of all of our students, and provides a daily encounter with Jesus Christ. We are also equally committed to developing the virtues of respect, justice, and responsibility in our students, as we prepare them to be leaders in our school and community. 

The St. Francis Cathedral School is looking for a Director of Student Life who is committed and faithful to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and Magisterium.

Title: Director of Student Life 

Reports to: Principal 

Position Summary: This position is responsible for the social, emotional, mental health, and spiritual well-being of individual students and the overall school community while also educating and being a resource to the parent community in the partnership of the education, character formation, and spiritual formation of their children.

Work Year:  12 Months

Work Hours: Full time

Pay grade: Negotiable 

Application Requirements:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 References

Qualifications:

1. Earned a Masters's degree in psychology, social work, or a similarly aligned course of study 
2. School Counselor, Student Assistance Coordinator, Psychologist, Social Worker, or similarly aligned licensure in the state of New Jersey
3. Current or in process of administrative (supervisor or principal) licensure, preferred 
4. Possess a thorough, relevant, and demonstrated knowledge and background in child psychology, child development, and mental health
5. Prior Experience in the counseling of PrK-8th grade students 
6. Be self-driven, possess excellent initiative, integrity, and good moral character.
7. Possess ability to work effectively and efficiently alone, and cooperatively with other personnel.
8. Exhibit personality traits that demonstrate interpersonal skills that relate well to students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
9. Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary
10. Other qualifications as the Principal may find appropriate

Duties: 

1. Serve as a contributing member of the Principal’s leadership team and collaborate with the other functioning units of the school and cathedral community initiatives and challenges
2. Organize, plan, implement, supervise, coordinate, and evaluate educational programs in support of a positive school climate and spirituality 
3. Develop and recommend to the Principal budget actions supporting the mental health, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of students and staff members
4. Conduct classroom visitations and assess the effectiveness of school behavioral and spiritual supports, and assist the school principal in establishing and maintaining a positive learning environment.
5. Conduct risk-assessments for students in crisis and maybe a threat to themselves or others physically or emotionally. 
6. Oversee and assist students and families in the preparation for going to high school
7. Monitor student disciplinary actions in the school community. 
8. Develop programs and seminars to support and develop the catechetical formation of students and families 
9. Respond to the emotional, mental health, and spiritual needs of students by utilizing school-wide, small group, and individual support and counseling methods and practices
10. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of school behavioral and emotional supports for the habituation of student virtues 
11. Consult teachers on best practices to support the mental health and spiritual needs of the student populous. 
12. Conduct family seminars and programs that educate parents in child development, child psychology, and home support for the emotional and spiritual needs of children. 
13. Document student cases and incidences
14. Utilize restorative practices in the spirit of the Christian Gospel to help students resolve issues that occur during the school day
15. Develop action plans with measurable benchmarks to support the mental health and spiritual needs of students
16. Meet with parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss the impact of a child’s mental health and spiritual needs on student functioning and availability for learning
17. Be a resource to community members on the topics of mental health and spirituality
18. Maintain a positive, collaborative, and mutually supportive working relationship with community agencies, parents, students, and district and school staff.
19.  Continue to grow professionally through research, formal studies, and collaboration with colleagues.
20.  Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by the Diocese of Metuchen, regulations of the school, or requested by the school principal. 
21. Answer correspondence promptly.
22. Represent, consistently, the School and Cathedral community in a positive and professional manner.
23. Protect the confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information with appropriate parties.
24. Ensure school compliance with diocesan policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws
25. Meet with the Principal regularly to discuss and set policy/programs, create yearly religious and professional goals, review/update handbooks, and organize yearly activities for the calendar. 
26. Complete High School applications for all 8th grade students and act as counselor for 8th grade application process, meeting with students individually 
27. Organize and meet with parents at back to school nights to discuss high school applications 
28. Substitute for an absent teacher when a substitute is unable to be procured
29. Meet with teachers, pupils, parents/guardians as needed
30. Attend monthly Home School Association Board meetings, SAC meetings, and general HSA meetings
31. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal