Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
Are you passionate about supporting the personal, emotional, and academic growth of elite student-athletes? Lovell Academy, which opened in Fall 2022, is seeking a dedicated and experienced School Counselor to join our growing team. This is a unique opportunity for a flexible and proactive professional who is excited to help shape the student experience at a school designed specifically for high-performance athletes.
Located in Rockland, MA, Lovell Academy is a boarding school designed for 132 elite hockey players in grades 8 through postgraduate (PG). Our program is structured to meet the demands of high-level athletics, offering a schedule and support system tailored to help student-athletes thrive both on and off the ice. We are dedicated to educating the whole student—recognizing that athletic, academic, and personal development are deeply interconnected.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Advising & Student Support
- Conduct individual academic check-ins with students 2–3 times per year to guide progress, answer questions, and address concerns.
- Review documentation regarding demonstrated learning needs for new and incoming students and share detais with relevant staff (nurse, teachers, academic specialists, leadership).
- Coordinate missing work and makeup schedules for students on medical or approved athletic leaves.
- Determine course selection for new and returning students in collaboration with department heads, taking into account student requests and ensuring appropriate academic placement and alignment with graduation and NCAA requirements.
- Facilitate course placement within school operating system in collaboration with Director of Academics.
- Monitor students' academic progress toward Lovell Academy graduation and NCAA Division I eligibility.
- Maintain and update Lovell Academy’s required materials for ongoing approval in the NCAA eligibility portal and with the town and state.
- Communicate academic standing and progress to the Director of Hockey and provide any requested documents as requested for college recruiting.
- Produce regular reports for academic staff identifying students with academic challenges based on feedback from teachers and Learning Specialist.
- Contribute to updating and maintaining the Program of Studies, ensuring accurate reflection of offerings and policies.
College Counseling & Post-Secondary Planning
College counseling is unique in this setting given athletic recruitment and commitments. Certain aspects may be relevant for some students but not others, and guidance support is still necessary for all students during the college application process.
- Provide one-on-one college counseling, including application guidance, institution selection, and academic planning.
- Support students through the college exploration process with relevant programming and resources.
- Manage and maintain college search platforms as appropriate (e.g. SCOIR or Naviance).
- Facilitate and coordinate standardized testing opportunities (e.g., SAT, ACT, AP) at Lovell Academy or local high schools when appropriate.
- Manage letters of recommendation and ensure timely submission of application materials.
- Send final transcripts to colleges following graduation.
- Coordinate the Junior Book Award program in recognition of academic achievement.
Mental Health & Wellness Support
- Develop and lead programming for students, faculty, coaches and staff regarding harassment, including SafeSport protocols in conjunction with Director of Hockey.
- Communicate concerns regarding students experiencing potential mental health challenges to School Nurse.
- Establish, communicate, and lead programming regarding mental health and wellness in conjunction with School Nurse.
- Collaborate with School Nurse to share relevant information with staff to support students with specific mental health needs.
- Be available to escort and support students in the event of a mental health emergency.
- Lead professional development sessions for faculty, staff, and coaches on identifying and addressing student concerns.
Professional Conduct & Expectations
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role of athletics in student development, and work collaboratively with the athletic department.
- Uphold and model the school’s mission, philosophy, and core values in all interactions.
- Foster a positive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and families.
- Build strong, supportive relationships with students, faculty, and the broader school community.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive student, family, and institutional information.
Crisis Management and Risk Mitigation Skills
The School Counselor must be equipped to respond effectively in moments of emotional, psychological, or behavioral crisis. This includes the ability to:
- Make timely, ethical decisions that reflect sound judgment, confidentiality standards, and school policies.
- Assess urgency and work with School Nurse to triage situations involving student distress, ensuring immediate safety while maintaining a calm and reassuring presence.
- Communicate clearly with students, staff, and families under pressure, offering guidance and facilitating access to appropriate support services.
- Document and follow up on incidents appropriately to ensure continuity of care and reduce future risk.
Requirements:
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Counseling, School Psychology, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in school counseling or equivalent educational setting.
- Demonstrated experience in both academic advising and mental health counseling.
- Proficiency in using educational management and college planning systems, such as Blackbaud, SCOIR (or Naviance), College Board, and the NCAA eligibility portal.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and engage effectively with students and families.