Lower School Counselor

School Overview

Inspire. Innovate. Belong.

At Dawson, we believe that exceptional education is built on the strength, expertise, and dedication of our faculty. We seek committed, creative, and engaged educators who embrace collaboration, maintain high expectations for themselves and their students, and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues and families.

As a student-centered, college-preparatory school for grades K-12, Dawson provides a dynamic environment where faculty are empowered to innovate, personalize learning, and inspire students to reach their full potential. Our faculty are not just teachers but mentors and lifelong learners who bring curiosity, empathy, and professionalism to every interaction. They engage in ongoing professional development, apply best practices in education, and contribute to a school culture that values belonging, inquiry, and growth.

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Why Join Dawson?

• Innovative Teaching Environment: We foster creativity through hands-on learning and encourage the integration of technology to enhance student experiences.
• Professional Growth: We invest in our educators through workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Become part of a supportive, relationship-driven environment.
• Work-Life Balance: We prioritize well-being with reasonable class sizes and a collaborative culture.

What You’ll Love About Us

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer contribution.
• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision plans with HSA/FSA options, plus free telehealth services.
• Wellness: Access to an employee assistance program, on-site gym, outdoor swimming pool, and certified athletic trainer. Enjoy free, chef-prepared lunches and a walkable, secure campus.
• Life Insurance & Voluntary Benefits: Group life insurance with additional voluntary coverage options.
• Time-off: Flexible sick time and paid time off.
• Career and personal development: Support and encouragement for continuous learning and growth, ensuring faculty and staff remain knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their roles.
• Sustainable: Free parking with access to EV charging stations and ECO Pass for RTD.
• A Strong Sense of Belonging

Position Overview

We are seeking a caring and enthusiastic Lower School Counselor to join our community for the 2026–2027 school year. In this role, the counselor will support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, helping them develop confidence, self-advocacy skills, and responsibility for their learning. Working in close partnership with teachers and school leaders, the counselor will help foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment for all students. The counselor will also collaborate with families to identify students who may benefit from additional evaluation, support, or resources beyond those provided by Dawson faculty and staff.

The job opening is for August 2026

Yearly Salary range: $55,000 - $100,000

Position is a 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

At Dawson, you will:

• Shape the region’s strongest college-preparatory program through academic excellence and experiential learning.
• Collaborate with talented colleagues in a supportive and respectful environment.
• Engage in meaningful professional development to refine your craft and advance your career.
• Challenge and support students in a learning community that values curiosity, resilience, and purpose.
• Be part of a school that recognizes and invests in the well-being of its educators through competitive compensation and benefits, along with a culture that nurtures both personal and professional fulfillment.

What You’ll Need to Get the Job Done

• A Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field is preferred.
• Current State of Colorado licensure in counseling or social work.
• At least three years of experience counseling K-5 students, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of child welfare laws and best practices, including mandatory reporting requirements and follow-up procedures.
• Strong classroom facilitation and management skills.
• A warm, approachable demeanor and genuine enjoyment of working with Lower School students.
• A collaborative mindset that reflects teamwork, professionalism, and shared responsibility.
• Ability to thoughtfully integrate technology into counseling, instruction, and communication.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and professional ethical standards.
• Proficiency with Excel and Google Workspace tools, including Drive, Sheets, and Documents.

Specifics about the job:

• Report to and collaborate closely with the Director of Lower School
• Teach 8-10 Social Emotional Learning classes weekly.
• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of Lower School students
• Respond with care, professionalism, and sound judgment to students experiencing emotional distress, including conducting safety assessments and collaborating with advisors, teachers, and the Director of Lower School
• Partner with the Counseling Team and the Lower School Student Support Team on all student matters
• Communicate and collaborate with outside therapists and service providers to support students and ensure continuity of care
• Serve as a trusted and accessible resource for students, faculty, administrators, and families in understanding and supporting the needs of Lower School students
• Work closely with teachers to develop and implement emotional support plans, and to identify effective strategies and resources for students and families in need
• Participate in class trips, clubs, and Winterim expeditions to build strong relationships and support students beyond the classroom
• Remain current with research and best practices in school counseling and child development
• Carry out additional responsibilities as needed to support the mission and daily life of the School

To apply for this position:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume through the Dawson website at www.dawsonschool.org. To apply, click ABOUT at the top of the page, select Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click View Current Job Openings, and choose the Lower School Counselor position.

Please note that only online applications will be accepted. We kindly ask that no phone calls be made regarding this position.

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.

Applicant Acknowledgment and Certification

By submitting my application, I acknowledge and certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the employer to verify any information it deems relevant to my employment application, including my employment history, educational background, credit history, and record of criminal convictions.

I understand that my former employers, educational institutions, and personal references may release information about me in response to inquiries from the employer. I further understand that any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and the successful completion of a criminal history check.

I acknowledge that providing false, misleading, or incomplete information, or omitting material facts in my application or during the interview process, may result in denial of employment or termination if already employed.

I also understand that I must provide unexpired documentation establishing my legal authorization to work in the United States within three business days of my employment start date.

If employed, I understand that my employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning it is not guaranteed for any specific duration and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.

The School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal consideration to all applicants and employees based solely on job-related qualifications, in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.