Job location: Hyde Park Campus

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-03-14
Req: JR04396
Department11420 Lab Academic Divisions & Departments

About the UnitThe University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provides one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the finest employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at: http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

Job Information

Job Summary:

Nursery-2nd grade (N-2) counselors are a visible and active presence in the classroom and in the school community, supporting the academic, social and emotional growth and development of all students.  Counselors observe frequently in classrooms and meet regularly with teachers and learning support staff to discuss the needs of and develop strategies for children. Counselors provide direct services to children including social-emotional learning lessons, short-term individual and small group counseling support, and crisis intervention.

Responsibilities:

• Working with parents is an essential part of the counselor’s role in the school, including consultation regarding child guidance, family issues, and school-related concerns. Counselors guide and support parents in the process of finding the best resources to support children, including referral sources for mental health professionals, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. It is often the responsibility of the counselor to initiate and facilitate goal-setting meetings for children who experience challenges in school. These meetings include teachers, parents, deans, the principal, learning support staff and often outside professionals.

• Building deep relationships with students, families, faculty, staff, and administration, and maintaining strong lines of communication with families about student progress fosters a shared understanding of the critical transition families make when children enter nursery school. We are looking for team members who will emanate optimism, share feedback to solve problems, constantly reflect on their practice, and commit to collaborating closely with teammates in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.

• The N-2 counselor is part of the Learning and Counseling department which provides social, emotional, developmental, and educational care for all students in the N-2 program.  Counselors report to the Principal.

The anticipated start date for this position is 9/1/2019.

Competencies:  

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.

• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents required.

• Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter required.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies required.

• Strong knowledge of child development required.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools required.

• Analytical skills required.

• Problem-solving skills required.

• Decision-making skills required.

• Attention to detail required.

• Organizational skills required.

• Computational skills required.

• Creativity required.

• Verbal and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills required.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations required.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality required.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines required.

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.) required.

Additional Requirements

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:     

• Bachelor's degree or higher in counseling, social work, or related field required.

• Master's degree in school counseling, social work, or related field required.

• License/Certification as a Professional School Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker,  Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, or Psychologist preferred.

• Coursework or degree that reflects multicultural content preferred.

Experience:   

• Minimum of three years of clinical counseling experience with children and families required.

• Previous experience working in a school counseling setting preferred.

• Classroom teaching experience preferred.

• Experience working with a wide range of students with diverse backgrounds such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, learning abilities, class, language and nationality.

• Ability to move class-related equipment/tools, as appropriate, around school property

• When appropriate, the ability to escort children from one classroom to another, in and out of the building during arrival and dismissal, and in an emergency situation.

• Ability to demonstrate lessons, when appropriate.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move in and around the classroom/building to interact with students, faculty, staff, parents, and other members of the community.

Required Documents:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Professional References

NOTE:  When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

Benefit EligibilityYes

Pay FrequencyMonthly

Pay RangeDepends on Qualifications

Scheduled Weekly Hours40

Union000- American Federation of Teachers , Local 2063

Job is Exempt?Yes

Drug Test Required?No

Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job?No

Health Screen Required?No

Posting Date2019-03-14-07:00

Remove from Posting On or Before2019-09-14-07:00

Posting Statement:The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:  http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.  Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.