School: STARS Learning Academy (part of RSEC)

Location: Amherst, NH

Schedule: Full-time, 190 days; potential for additional summer days

Compensation: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

Overview

STARS Learning Academy is a trauma-informed therapeutic day school serving students in grades K–4. We are seeking a Counselor/Director to lead the school's clinical and program operations while providing direct counseling services to students. The ideal candidate blends strong leadership and systems-thinking with compassionate, developmentally appropriate clinical practice. This role partners closely with educators, related service providers, and families to ensure a safe, predictable, and empowering environment where young learners build skills and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and School Operations

• Lead day-to-day program operations and culture; ensure alignment with mission, compliance requirements, and best practices in trauma-informed care.

• Supervise, coach, and support school staff (e.g., classroom teachers and support staff ) with clear goals, feedback, and professional growth.

• Coordinate student intake and transition processes; oversee placement, scheduling, and service delivery.

• Develop, implement, and monitor program-wide systems for crisis response, de-escalation, and re-entry that prioritize safety, dignity, and learning.

• Lead data-informed decision-making across academics, behavior, and SEL; maintain accurate records and reporting.

Clinical Services and Student Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling using evidence-based, developmentally appropriate approaches.

• Conduct risk assessments, safety planning, and crisis intervention; collaborate with external providers as needed.

• Design, implement, and monitor individualized behavior support plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team; collect and analyze behavioral data to guide interventions.

• Support social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and executive-function skill development within daily routines and classroom structures.

• Participate in IEP meetings and team consultations; contribute to functional behavior assessments (FBAs), goals, and progress reports.

Collaboration and Family Partnership

• Partner with families to build consistent, strengths-based supports between home and school.

• Coordinate with sending/receiving districts, outside therapists, and community agencies to ensure cohesive services.

• Facilitate multidisciplinary meetings; ensure timely communication and clear documentation.

Compliance, Training, and Professional Learning

• Ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies (e.g., special education, student records, confidentiality).

• Plan and deliver staff professional development on trauma-informed practices, de-escalation, data collection, and behavior support planning.

• Contribute to continuous improvement, program evaluation, and strategic planning.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, School Psychology, or related field.

• Current NH licensure or certification (e.g., LCMHC, LICSW, School Counselor, School Psychologist) or eligibility within a defined timeframe.

• Demonstrated experience providing clinical services to elementary-aged students, including students with emotional/behavioral needs and complex learning profiles.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, child development, SEL frameworks, crisis intervention, and de-escalation/restorative approaches.

• Experience creating and implementing individualized behavior support plans with systematic data collection and analysis.

• Strong leadership, supervision, and collaboration skills; excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving.

• Commitment to equity, culturally responsive practice, and family partnership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in therapeutic, alternative, or day school settings.

• Training/certification in crisis prevention/intervention (e.g., CPI or equivalent).

• Familiarity with FBAs, MTSS frameworks, and progress-monitoring tools.

• Background in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and facilitating professional learning.

Working Conditions

• Small, highly supported environment with embedded clinical and behavioral services.

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary team with regular consultation and problem-solving.

• Predictable school calendar (190 days) with potential opportunities for summer programming.

• Ongoing professional development focused on trauma-informed care, SEL, data-driven practice, and leadership.

• Physical demands consistent with elementary school settings, including active supervision and occasional crisis-prevention support.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and credentials.

• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, retirement).

• Paid time off (sick and personal) and professional development opportunities.

• Supportive organizational culture within RSEC with opportunities for growth.

About STARS Learning Academy (RSEC)

STARS Learning Academy, part of the Regional Services and Education Center (RSEC), is a nonprofit therapeutic day school serving students across New Hampshire. We provide individualized academics, clinical support, and family partnership to help young learners build skills, confidence, and readiness for success in school and life.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, certification(s)/license, and three professional references.

Apply Here

For questions, contact: Devin Bandurski at dbandurski@rsec.org

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.