Director of Counseling

Job Description

Job Description

The Director of Counseling serves as the administrative representative of the counseling department in a leadership and supervisory capacity to promote the quality of services to children, the professional development of staff, and to facilitate the mission of the organization. The Director will provide relational counseling, supportive services, and social skills education for the children.

Responsibilities and Duties

● Serve as a trauma-informed leader who promotes emotionally safe environments, quality service delivery, healthy child development, and positive staff functioning.

● Ensure department practices align with trauma-informed care principles, fostering trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness.

● Work closely with the Child Services Team to ensure coordinated, high-quality care.

● Participate and lead in the planning and development of campus-wide programs, including the Social Skills Program, using trauma-sensitive approaches that promote resilience.

● Conduct weekly departmental meetings to coordinate services and maintain a shared trauma-informed lens across the counseling team.

● Provide clinical and administrative supervision grounded in reflective practice, emotional safety, and professional growth.

● Act as the primary backup counselor in mental health crises involving children, modeling calm, safety, and appropriate de-escalation strategies.

● Ensure consistent counselor participation in residential and academic team meetings to maintain a cohesive support network for each child.

● Communicate with families, offering consultation, parent education, and family meetings as needed

● Conduct interviews with prospective children and families, assessing needs and enrollment alignment.

Qualifications

● Master’s degree required in counseling, social work, or psychology

● Five years or more of clinical experience working with children and families

● Administrative training/experience, demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in children’s counseling services, and at least some evidence of clinical supervision of counseling staff

● Foresight, innovative thinking, enthusiasm, and a desire to sculpt a vigorous, premier counseling program for a residential school

● Strong aptitude in motivation of and compassion for staff and colleagues and ability to maintain an empathetic and professional demeanor at all times

● Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

● Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit impeccable ethical behavior

● Vermont (or surrounding State) licensure required.

Company DescriptionKurn Hattin Home and School for Children, located in Westminster, VT, for children ages 5-15. Kurn Hattin is a donor-supported organization where good kids from families facing difficult circumstances find a safe, nurturing place to live and learn. Our mission, transforming the lives of children and families forever, is guided by our core values: Perseverance, Nurturance, Hope, Compassion, and Sense of Worth.

Company Description

Kurn Hattin Home and School for Children, located in Westminster, VT, for children ages 5-15. Kurn Hattin is a donor-supported organization where good kids from families facing difficult circumstances find a safe, nurturing place to live and learn. Our mission, transforming the lives of children and families forever, is guided by our core values: Perseverance, Nurturance, Hope, Compassion, and Sense of Worth.