Francis W. Parker School Substitute Counselor (December 2026 - Mid-June 2027

Position Description & Application

Job Summary:

Francis W. Parker School is a renowned JK-12th grade independent day school. Founded in 1901 on the tenets of progressive education, the school currently enrolls 940 students and employs over 200 dedicated faculty and staff members who, in addition to assistant teachers, substitute teachers and coaches, work together to ensure that the School lives up to its Mission to “educate students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse, democratic society and global community.”

We are currently seeking a Counselor to join our expert faculty (5th and 6th grades), covering a leave of absence. The Counselor aims to provide social-emotional support to students and their families. Working closely with the Division Head, Learning Resource teachers, faculty, and parents/guardians, the Counselor identifies and addresses social-emotional and learning issues in individual students.

Essential Functions:

• Provide brief solution focused counseling to students – but on occasion, long term supportive therapy. This may also include facilitating small groups based on student/cohort needs (i.e. new students, divorce/separation)
• Coordinate and make decisions about higher levels of care for students, as clinically indicated (social-emotional crises, etc.)
• Help coordinate student services, within the School, between teachers, Learning Resource teachers and other outside professionals (tutors, therapists, etc.) - including referrals, staffing/consultation meetings
• Design and facilitate lessons and workshops for students and families including: student health and wellness lessons and family-facing workshops on building awareness of developmental issues and strategies to support students

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or above in Social Work, Psychology, and/or Counseling
• Experience providing individual and group Counseling services to late childhood and early adolescent students (Upper Elementary and/or Middle School level), plus a strong grasp of the unique developmental needs of early adolescents and the learning needs of Middle School students
• Commitment to progressive education
• Commitment to collegiality, collaboration, and partnership within and across divisions
• Proficiency with data management and effective documentation for intervention implementation and tracking
• Commitment to chaperoning grade-level trips and other field experiences
• Adept at clear and tactful communication with adolescents, their families, and colleagues
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in Counseling practices, Mental Health, student development, and progressive education

Compensation:

Salary Range: Approximately $71,272 - $136,798.

Salary will be prorated based on the number of school days worked during the school year.

Faculty positions are paid on a step-level salary scale, commensurate with background and years of experience. Francis W. Parker School provides an excellent employee benefits program, including but not limited to: health and dental insurance, term and supplemental life insurance, flexible spending accounts (FSA’s), commuter benefits, and 403b retirement plan. Information on Parker’s comprehensive benefits package can be found here.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter with a resume (no telephone inquiries please).

The faculty, staff and administration of Francis W. Parker School are integral parts of the School's community. Through their passion, dedication and commitment to the School's mission, they create and support an environment where exceptional child-centered learning can occur.

Francis W. Parker School is committed to cultivating a community of dedicated students, parents, faculty and staff, trustees, administrators and alumni, who acknowledge, respect, and esteem diversity in our school; and who reflect, through their presence, the diversity of Chicago communities and the wider world.

Francis W. Parker School is an equal opportunity employer.