School Counselor (Interim)

Lake Forest Academy is seeking a licensed school counselor (LCSW, LCPC, Clinical Psychologist, or Psych APN with a therapeutic focus) to join our health services team for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year. Counselors at Lake Forest Academy (“LFA”) establish and maintain relationships that foster the community's emotional health. 

While the counselor’s primary responsibilities involve providing and facilitating mental health support for students, the counselor also interacts with LFA colleagues, parents and health providers outside of the community so that appropriate wrap-around services may be provided. Ideal candidates will be human-centered and will lead with empathy. Candidates should model professionalism, boundaries, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Proven expertise in communicating about nuanced and evolving topics is essential, and compassionate curiosity about the human experience is expected. This position reports directly to the Dean of Students.

Responsibilities:

• Provides brief short-term counseling services to students, supporting behavioral, social, and emotional concerns and needs. 
• Provides ad hoc evaluation and support for students based upon family, student, self or faculty/staff request
• Provides acute support and handoff care to outside providers in mental health emergencies
• Collaborates with the health services team, DOS and student academic support team to ensure consistent, appropriate and compassionate care is provided for each student
• Establishes and maintains relationships with and refers to a broad based group of outside mental health providers when needed
• Serves as a resource for parents, faculty and the broader community in mental health education and short term support as needed to benefit students
• Plans and manages small groups each semester
• Maintains careful and confidential records as per department policy and in accordance with legal standards and best practice
• Plans and executes (together or with department) psycho-education and mental health awareness/professional development activities for LFA faculty and staff
• Upon request, works directly with departments as needed
• Asks for regular feedback from teachers about students of mental health concern
• Participates in professional associations and continually develop professional knowledge

  
  

Required characteristics and/or skills:

• Attention to detail
• Dedication to, and demonstration of, inclusive and equitable behaviors to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging and safety
• Models positive behavior
• Works collaboratively and effectively as a team member
• Maintains professional and collegial relationships with staff
• Demonstrates a commitment to clear and consistent boundaries and never waivers in maintaining confidentiality
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written
• Superior time management skills
• Experience and comfort working with a diverse population
• Willingness to get involved in a boarding school community
• Thrives and exhibits flexibility around the often unpredictable nature of this work

Required experience and/or education:

• Current and valid IL license as LCSW, LCPC, Clinical Psychologist, or Psych APN with therapeutic focus
• Masters degree required
• Clinical experience with adolescents
• Trauma informed approach
• YMHFA certified or willing to obtain
• CPR certification or willing to obtain
• Experience within independent schools is a plus but not required

Compensation/Benefits:

Because of the temporary nature of this position, it is not eligible for benefits or campus housing. Final salary will be commensurate with the experience and expertise of the final appointed candidate, within the school’s salary scale.  

About Us:

Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed boarding school serving 450 academically bright and motivated students in grades 9 to 12 from across the globe. The Academy offers a rigorous curriculum focused on academic excellence and characterized by small classes and close faculty/student interaction.  The school's mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.  The LFA community places students at the center of their own learning and provides the support needed to develop confidence and strong values. The school is deeply committed to a diverse faculty and student body.  Please visit our website http://www.lfanet.org/ for more information about us.

Limitations and Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.  

Employment at Lake Forest Academy is "at-will," which means either you or Lake Forest Academy may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason without prior notice. 

In accordance with Lake Forest Academy’s policies and state and federal law, receipt of this position is contingent upon the individual’s successful completion of all requirements to establish the legal right to work in the United States, as well as a background check.  In the event Lake Forest Academy has not received a complete background check prior to the first day of employment, employment will be on a temporary basis until such results are successfully completed.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Lake Forest Academy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. This means Lake Forest Academy will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, color, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, transitioned, transitioning or perceived to be transitioning), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), marital status, domestic partner status, pregnancy and breastfeeding, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

Lake Forest Academy reasonably accommodates employees and/or applicants with disabilities, provided the individual is otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the job.  If you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation, you must inform Lake Forest Academy’s Director Human Resources & Risk Management.