Part-Time / Full-Time Upper School Counselor

Date Posted	February 01, 2026
Industry	K-12: Independent/Private
Certification Needed	No
Required Education	Master's Degree
Job Status	Part-time
Salary	$27,500 - $50,000 (For Part-Time) or $55,000 - $100,000 (For Full-Time)
Website	https://www.dawsonschool.org/about/careers

Description:

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 Full/Part-Time Upper School Counselor (with the potential for Full-Time if interested in part-time college counseling - please see the college counseling post for further details) to join our community for the 2026–2027 school year. 

In this role, the counselor will support students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them develop confidence, self-advocacy, and responsibility for their learning. Working closely with teachers, the counselor will contribute to a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. The counselor will also partner with families to help guide 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: $27,500 - $50,000 (For Part-Time) or $55,000 - $100,000 (For Full-Time)

Position is a 0.50 Part-Time Equivalent (FTE) or a possible 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

• Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field.

• Current State of Colorado licensure in counseling or social work.

• At least three years of experience counseling adolescents, or equivalent experience working with teens.

• 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 upper 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 Upper School

• Respond with care and professionalism to students experiencing emotional distress, including conducting safety assessments and working in partnership with advisors, teachers, counselors and the Director of Upper School

• Communicate and collaborate with outside therapists to support upper school students and ensure continuity of care

• Serve as a trusted resource for students, faculty, administrators, and families in understanding and supporting the social, emotional, behavioral, and personal needs of upper school students

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to support students’ well-being and growth

• Participate in class trips, clubs, and Winterim expeditions to build relationships and support students beyond the classroom

• 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 Part-Time Upper 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.

Apply

https://www.dawsonschool.org/about/careers