Counselor Advocate

Counselor Advocate

Private Day School, Elmhurst NY

High School and College Success

STATEMENT OF THE AGENCY:

Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with a flagship site in Forest Hills and 90 additional sites throughout the community, providing a diverse array of programs and services to over 100,000 people. Our mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs, and builds community. We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.

STATEMENT OF THE POSITION:

Within our holistic, strengths-based, and family-centered framework, the Counselor Advocate at a Jewish Day School in Elmhurst, NY serves as a vital member of the High School and College Success Division, reporting directly to the Senior Director. The division is dedicated to fostering students’ academic success, personal growth, and emotional well-being through comprehensive and coordinated supports.

Working primarily with high school students in a Jewish day school setting, the Counselor Advocate provides preventative and short-term counseling interventions that address social-emotional, behavioral, and wellness needs. The role emphasizes early identification and proactive engagement, empowering students to develop coping skills and manage challenges before they escalate into barriers to learning or development.

The Counselor Advocate also leads school-wide wellness and prevention initiatives, including classroom workshops, group facilitation, teacher consultation, and parent engagement. In close collaboration with teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals, the Counselor Advocate helps align student support efforts with the division’s broader mission of holistic student development and postsecondary readiness.

This role embodies empathy, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that all interventions are responsive to the needs of the Jewish community and consistent with the school’s mission and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, School Counseling, or related field required.
• Minimum two years’ experience working with adolescents, providing culturally competent services that promote educational success and social-emotional well-being.
• Proven ability to build strong, trusting relationships with adolescents and their families.
• Experience in workshop development and group facilitation required.
• Excellent organizational, teamwork, and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Commitment to a strength-based, youth development perspective.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide individual and small-group counseling focused on short-term, goal-directed interventions.
• Develop and implement preventative mental health and wellness initiatives that foster resilience and positive coping.
• Conduct classroom workshops on key topics, including stress management, peer relationships, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, administrators, and school-based professionals to support student success and address emerging concerns.
• Partner with parents and families to provide education, consultation, and strategies that reinforce well-being at home.
• Identify and address service gaps within the school community by developing targeted programming.
• Support teacher wellness and professional capacity through consultation and coaching.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with professional and legal standards.
• Build and sustain partnerships with internal and external mental health stakeholders to ensure coordinated care.
• Participate actively in Commonpoint and school-based professional development and training opportunities.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary range for this role is $65,000 – $75,000 commensurate with experience. Commonpoint provides a suite of competitive benefits, including health insurance (including dental & vision), FSA, a 403(b) Plan and Pension Plan, Life Insurance, and a generous and flexible PTO system.

LOCATION & TRAVEL:

This position is in person, after completing a probationary period, Monday - Thursday for a 40-hour work week. The position reports primarily to a Jewish Day School located at 60-05 Woodhaven Boulevard in Elmhurst, NY. Presence at other locations within the five boroughs may be required, in addition to evening/weekend hours as needed.

GENERAL TASKS OF COMMONPOINT EMPLOYEES:

• Promote and implement the Core Values of the Community Center.
• Participation in all staff meetings and staff training seminars.
• Participation in agency-wide programs and program committees, as assigned.
• Active involvement, as a supervisee, in the supervision process.
• Support the mission of Commonpoint at all times.
• Other tasks appropriate to Commonpoint staff, as assigned.

Commonpoint reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume as a Word or PDF document only to Toby Ben-Aderet at [email protected] . In the subject line, please indicate “ Counselor Advocate. ” Due to the high volume of applicants, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.