2026-2027 Lower School Counselor (3-5) Faculty

Job Title: The Bush School Lower School Counselor (3-5) Faculty (Seattle WA)

Department: Lower School

Reports To: Lower School Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

On-Site: Yes

FTE: 0.6 FTE

Pay Range: $48000-$75000 depending on experience (for .6 FTE position)

Who Thrives at Bush

You find joy in working with students and alongside a passionate thoughtful community of educators. You believe deeply that learning is most powerful when it is experiential and when students learn by doing exploring and reflecting rather than simply being told what to know and remember. You are invested in the growth of children as whole people supporting their curiosity sense of purpose and capacity to contribute meaningfully to their communities both within and beyond the classroom. You are a lifelong learner who welcomes both support and challenge and you are excited by the opportunity to continue developing your craft in a collegial reflective environment. You are energized by contributing your skills and ideas making a meaningful impact and being part of something larger than yourself.

Who We Are

Founded in 1924 and located in Seattles Madison Valley neighborhood The Bush School is an independent school serving students from Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade. Bush offers a rich intellectually engaging program grounded in experiential learning designed to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning accomplishment and contribution to their communities. Our curriculum challenges students to think deeply and creatively preparing them to thrive in future endeavors while remaining rooted in the schools longstanding core values.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community in which every individual can say I belong. We seek educators and staff who are passionate about their work highly skilled in their practice and who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to our community. We believe deeply in the role education and diverse learning environments play in advancing equity inclusion and a shared sense of responsibility for one another.

Summary of position:

The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our Lower School team as a Lower School Counselor. We are seeking a candidate who is able to support the schools mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency. We are building a team in which diversity of experiences backgrounds and talents are valued in order to work with a diverse community of students faculty staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Lower School Counselor reports to the Lower School Director and works closely with students and families as well as Lower School Faculty and Staff in grades 3-5 while also being an active member of the schools Support Services Department. This position will be responsible for the collaboration and consultation for the creation of interventions for students in need of emotional/behavioral support.

While other duties may be assigned a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below:

An understanding of childhood development and experience with elementary age students

Coordination and collaboration with Lower School Counselor for grades K-2

Crisis intervention with students (including family and staff as relevant or related)

Student support team meeting participation to holistically support students with academic and social emotional needs

Development of individual support plans (behavior plans volunteer opportunities mentoring) to address identified student goals

Whole group (classroom) interventions as needed in collaboration with teaching staff

Coordination with outside supports (therapists hospitals crisis coordinator etc.) when applicable

Development and implementation of Parent education support and communications

Facilitate counseling sessions with individuals or small groups (short term basis)

Provide referrals for families who need more prolonged social emotional and behavioral support

Development of lower school programming to identify and address larger community concerns (i.e. bullying technology use etc.)

Collaborate with Lower School Middle School and Upper School Counselors as needed

Divisional responsibilities including recess duties lunch duties etc.

Support students in small groups or individually during challenging social situations and family changes.

Experience and Professional Competencies:

Experience in counseling is required with 3 or more years required 5 plus years preferred

A bachelors and masters degree is required

Successful candidates will have:

A philosophy that aligns with the schools mission and values please review the schools mission and values on our website ()

The capacity and desire to engage in experiential activities and programs with students

The ability to be patient and positive and find joy in the journey of promoting a lifelong love of learning

An ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with others including administrators colleagues staff students and families in order to maintain constructive and professional relationships

A commitment to completing work in a timely and thorough manner while being conscientious about assignments and deadlines

A willingness to participate in professional growth/development opportunities

Have proficient skills in the use of technology including but not limited to Mac or Windows OS Microsoft 365 Google Workspace and relevant cloud-based tools

Additional Requirements:

Have a current Adult and Children CPR First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date)

Meet the schools standards when completing two separate background screenings

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the About Bush tab) for additional information/instructions.

If you are interested in working at The Bush School but this position doesnt fit your talents please visit our website for additional openings: .

While we sincerely appreciate all applications only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment recruitment admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race color creed religion sexual orientation national or ethnic origin disability gender gender identity gender expression or genetic information. In addition The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.

*This position requires applicants to be at the time of application legally authorized to work in theUnited States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will notconsider applicants who require visa sponsorship.