School Counselor at Heartwood Community School in Ridgeland, SC

School Counselor, 26-27 Academic Year

Focus Area: School Counseling Services

Report to: Director of Student Supports

Who We Are

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child’s unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The Role

Heartwood is seeking a student-centered, proactive, and emotionally attuned School Counselor to support the social-emotional development and overall well-being of all students.

The School Counselor is responsible for leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive, schoolwide counseling program focused on prevention, skill-building, and early intervention. This role emphasizes direct student support through individual and small group counseling, classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL), and proactive behavior and regulation strategies.

The counselor will collaborate closely with the School Social Worker, Student Success Coach, and Director of Student Supports to ensure students receive consistent, research-based support that prioritizes skill development, emotional regulation, and effective school-based interventions. This role also serves as the case manager for students requiring Section 504 plans.

This position plays a critical role in fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment where all students are equipped to succeed.

Responsibilities

Counseling

• Provide short-term individual counseling to support students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs.
• Facilitate small group counseling focused on topics such as emotional regulation, friendship skills, conflict resolution, and resilience.
• Use developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices to support student growth.
• Identify students in need of additional support and collaborate with the School Social Worker for more intensive interventions.
• Maintain consistent communication with teachers regarding student needs and progress.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Design and deliver a comprehensive SEL program aligned with school values and student needs.
• Provide group and individual interventions that build skills such as self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Implement proactive, school-wide initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Support the development of restorative practices and community building structures within classrooms.

Emotional/Behavioral Support & Collaboration

• Partner with teachers to develop and implement classroom strategies that support emotional regulation.
• Assist in creating and monitoring intervention plans for students.
• Collaborate with the Wellbeing Unit to ensure coordinated care throughout the school.
• Participate in Multi-Tiered System of Supports meetings to review student progress and adjust supports.

Crisis Response & Student Care

• Provide immediate, student-centered response during crises in collaboration with the School Social Worker, School Security Officer, and School Resource Officer.
• Support students in processing difficult experiences and transitions within the school setting.
• Assist in re-entry planning for students returning from absences, crises, or significant life events.

Data, Documentation & Program Management

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and interventions.
• Use data to identify trends, inform programming, and adjust supports.
• Contribute to school-wide reporting on student wellness and SEL outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and FERPA regulations.
• Serve as the case manager for students requiring Section 504 plans, ensuring compliance, and coordination of accommodations.

Staff Support & Development

• Provide teachers with strategies and tools to support students’ social-emotional needs in the classroom.
• Collaborate with staff to build a trauma-informed and student-centered school environment.
• Offer training and resources on SEL integration and student mental health awareness.

Skills & Characteristics

• Deep understanding of child development and SEL.
• Strong ability to build trusting relationships with students and staff.
• Skilled in facilitating groups and delivering engaging classroom instruction.
• Proactive and solutions-oriented with a preventative mindset.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and responsive in dynamic situations.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.
• Collaborative team player who values partnership with families and colleagues.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in School Counseling or related field required.
• Valid School Counselor certification/licensure in South Carolina (or ability to obtain) required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with elementary-aged students preferred.
• Experience with SEL curriculum development and implementation preferred.
• Experience with SC EdPlan preferred.
• Training in trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, and crisis response preferred.

Compensation

The salary for this role is $80,000. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement Plans

Our Commitment

Heartwood Community School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.