Lower (Elementary) School Counselor

Location: Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School; Omaha, NE

Position Type: Full-Time; 10 Months, 182 days

Start Date: August 2026

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About Us:

Brownell Talbot, founded in 1863, is a Nebraska state-approved preschool through grade 12 school. We are a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). Brownell Talbot is an exciting environment for professionals who like to be part of a supportive team of dedicated individuals who thrive on the challenges and rewards of working with an active community. Brownell Talbot fosters an educational environment that is inclusive and accepting of diverse individuals and viewpoints.

Position Summary

The school counselor reports to the Director of College Counseling and Guidance and collaborates with the Chief of Academics and Lower School Dean of Students; together, they support Brownell Talbot’s mission.

Counseling Department Philosophy

The BT Counseling Department is dedicated to ensuring that every student is known for who they are, inspired to explore who they can become, and challenged to grow into their fullest potential. Partnering with families, teachers, and the community, we foster the self-awareness, resilience, and empathy students need to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Counseling Department Beliefs

We believe that:

Every student has inherent worth, unique strengths, and the capacity to grow.
Emotional intelligence supports both academic and personal success.
Self-awareness and self-compassion are the foundation for healthy decision-making.
Curiosity over judgment fosters growth, connection, and resilience.
Recognizing one’s circle of control builds confidence and reduces anxiety.
Empathy and perspective-taking strengthen relationships and community.
Positive reframing supports a growth mindset and optimistic problem-solving.
Advocacy ensures equity, inclusion, and belonging for all students.
Collaboration between counselors, families, and staff enhances student well-being.

The Counseling Department and the Role of the School Counselor

The Counseling Department seeks a compassionate, student-centered counselor to join a well-established and cohesive team. The counselor should be confident and comfortable working individually as well as collaboratively to support student needs. The ideal candidate should be warm, approachable, independent, a great listener, and eager to build positive relationships with students, families, and faculty. The Counseling Department is integral in providing support for the school’s social emotional learning initiatives and our approach to these initiatives is appreciated and supported by our parent community.

The school counselor helps create a safe and caring environment and provides short-term, solution-focused counseling services for early years and lower school students. The school counselor must be willing to be an active member of the life of the school, which will periodically include evening and weekend commitments. The school counselor must successfully manage the varied demands and intensities of a busy office, seamlessly transition from each school level, and possess strength in both written and oral communication as well as classroom management. The school counselor is detail-oriented, flexible, creative, responsible, and professional; counselors adhere to the American School Counseling Code of Ethics, especially in respect to maintaining confidentiality.

Required qualifications:

Holds (or is eligible to obtain) a Nebraska Department of Education School Counselor Endorsement.
Master’s degree in school counseling or counseling.
Experience working in a collaborative environment with a range of constituent groups, such as students, families, faculty, staff, and administration from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

Classroom teaching experience.
Curriculum writing and facilitation of social emotional learning.
Experience with the American School Counselor Association National Model.
Technological proficiencies including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, databases, and student management systems.

Personal Qualities:

Possess a positive attitude,
Excellent written and verbal skills,
Strong organizational skills, and
Proven success within a work setting requires collaboration, cooperation, and collegiality.

Physical Requirements:

Able to sit, stand, type, twist, bend
Able to use computers, laptops
Able to lift 25-50 lbs.
Other physical demands such as speaking, hearing, manual, and finger dexterity

Note: This job description accurately reflects the position's duties, responsibilities, and requirements. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.

Strong candidates will support the school’s Mission: Every student. Every mind. Every heart. Known. Inspired. Challenged. They will have enthusiasm for the Vision: A compassionate community of diverse learners empowered and determined to reach their unique potential and positively impact the world. And they will embody the school’s core values. We value

Compassion: We believe in considering the unique needs of others; we show: compassion by seeking to understand with genuine care, and we build a sense of belonging for everyone.
Respect: We believe in treating everyone with dignity; we show respect by valuing ourselves and others through our words and actions and taking great pride in our school.
Responsibility: We believe we are capable; we show responsibility by meeting expectations, finding solutions, and giving our best to each other.
Integrity: We believe in doing the right thing; we show integrity by keeping commitments and telling the truth, even when it's not easy.

Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or based on any other status protected under local, state, and federal law in admission or access to, or treatment of employment or educational programs and activities.

Why Brownell Talbot College Preparatory School?

Supportive and Collaborative Faculty: Join a close-knit, experienced team of educators who are committed to personal and professional growth.
Innovative Curriculum: Work with a dynamic curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and academic rigor.
Professional Development: Access ongoing professional development opportunities to grow your craft and stay current with best practices.
Competitive Compensation and Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance.
- 403b retirement program
- Flexible spending plan and health savings account.
- Paid holidays and time off.
- Tuition remission (when enrollment and remission capacity exists).
- Discounted extended care rates for employees with children attending BT.
- Free mental health support through Arbor Family Counseling.
An Inspiring Campus: Work in a welcoming, unique environment that inspires students and staff.

Application Process

Ready to make a difference?

If you're ready to join a dynamic team and significantly impact young learners' lives, we invite you to apply. Please apply online at brownell.edu/careers.