School Counselor

Salary: $60 per hour DOE

KHAN LAB SCHOOL

In 2012, Sal Khan wrote The One World Schoolhouse that outlines how modern education developed and how Khan Academy came to be. The book outlines a vision for the future of both in-person and online education given the tools we have and the need to participate in the knowledge economy. In 2014, he founded Khan Lab School to test and refine these ideas in an actual school setting.

Khan Lab School is a TK-12 independent school on two campuses serving over 290 students in Silicon Valley. The Lower School (TK-5) program is located in Palo Alto, California. The Upper School (6-12) is located in Mountain View, California.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Khan Lab School seeks a dedicated part-time School Counselor to support the social, emotional, and academic well-being of our diverse student body. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive counseling services in an educational environment where innovation and student-centered approaches are valued.

The School Counselor will work collaboratively with faculty, administration, and parents when necessary to develop and implement strategies that foster students' mental health, social development, and academic success. This role requires a compassionate professional who can create a safe and supportive space for students while helping them navigate challenges and develop resilience.

Working within our unique learning model, the Counselor will have the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking educational community committed to reimagining what's possible in education. The position offers a balance of scheduled counseling sessions, responsive support for immediate student needs, and collaboration with our educational team.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Direct Student Support

• Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to students (grades TK-5), addressing academic, social-emotional, and mental health concerns.
• Serve as a trusted resource and advocate for students, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and supported.
• Respond to student concerns with compassionate, developmentally appropriate interventions that promote resilience and well-being.
• Provide immediate support and risk assessments for students experiencing crises, including self-harm, suicidal ideation, or significant emotional distress.
• Collaborate with administrators, families, and outside professionals to ensure appropriate interventions and crisis response.
• Track student concerns, interventions, and progress using appropriate databases and reporting tools while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.
  
  

Collaboration, Communication, and Equity

• Work closely with the school-level directors and faculty to create a holistic and integrated support system for students.
• Engage families in proactive communication, providing guidance on adolescent development, mental health, and school-life balance.
• Serve as a liaison to outside mental health professionals, making referrals when appropriate and ensuring coordinated care for students in need.
• Advocate for and have a keen understanding of culturally responsive, inclusive counseling practices that support the diverse needs of the student body.

Integration Into School Life

• Be a visible and engaged presence on campus, fostering strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Support classroom teachers and advisors in finding ways to help students succeed.
• When on campus and available, actively participate in community events, student activities, and leadership programming to foster connection and well-being.
• Have confidence and comfort with speaking in front of students, faculty, and families about student well-being and mental health topics.

Professional Development and Ethical Standards

• Stay informed about best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in adolescent mental health, school counseling, and wellness education.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance counseling effectiveness.
• Maintain ethical standards and confidentiality in accordance with school policies and professional guidelines.

Success Indicators

• Positive impact on students, measured through relationships, feedback, overall well-being, student surveys, and classroom observations.
• Development and refinement of effective wellness initiatives.
• Strong collaboration with faculty, families, and leadership to foster a culture of wellness.
• Effective communication and engagement in the school community as a trusted resource.
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO

• Masters, PsyD, or Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience providing short-term individual and small-group counseling to adolescents.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood and adolescent development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and common mental health challenges affecting middle and high school students.
• Experience implementing school-based wellness programs, social-emotional learning, or anti-bullying initiatives.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
• Experience leading parent education sessions on adolescent development, mental health, and school-life balance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, learning specialists and external mental health professionals.
• Understanding of restorative justice practices and their application in student conflict resolution and community-building.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive counseling practices.
• Familiarity with ethical guidelines in counseling, including confidentiality and mandated reporting responsibilities.
• Familiarity with Khan Schools Network, Khan Academy, and Schoolhouse.world.
• Strong alignment with a personalized, mastery-based approach to learning.
• Familiarity with operational processes.
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet the evolving needs of educational initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with team members, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Commitment to being a role model and upholding high standards expected from team members.
• Proficient use of educational software such as TADS, SSS, Dewars, Clever, ParentSquare.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• California Mental Health Licensure (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, PsyD, or Ph.D.) strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of counseling experience in a school setting.
• Prior experience working in a high school setting or with adolescent populations.
• Training in trauma-informed care and its application in school settings.
• Classroom teaching experience or experience facilitating wellness-related programming in an educational setting.
• Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs, neurodiversity, or disabilities (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, depression, or learning differences).
• Familiarity with mindfulness, resilience-building, and stress management techniques for adolescents.
• Experience using student information systems and electronic case management tools to document and track student support interventions.
• Familiarity with DBT practices in teen settings.
• Knowledge of data-informed decision-making to assess student needs and evaluate the effectiveness of counseling and wellness programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 25 pounds as some organizational duties involve moving desks, chairs, electronics, paperwork and other school supplies and equipment as needed.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Capability moving about in an office setting to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to proficiently and frequently operate a computer and keyboard as well as other office equipment such as copy machines, printers, and projectors.
• Consistently practice safe working habits while using school supplies, equipment, and electronics as well as the ability to maintain a safe and hazard-free workstation for yourself and others at the school.
• Occasionally required to work weekends and/or nights, and be on-call for special events which are sometimes held outside and require the ability and willingness to work in all weather conditions at any time of the year.

WHAT WE OFFER

Khan Lab School is a community of learners and partners that has a deep commitment to its work. We get things done and believe that in our highly collaborative environment, anything is possible. All our decisions are made through the lens of what is best for our students. We tackle tough questions without ego, are results-oriented, and have high expectations for school and our students.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit the following:

• A current resume.
• Cover letter expressing your interest in, and qualifications for, this position.
• List of 3 professional references with their full name, phone number, e-mail, job title, and your working relationship with them. References will not be contacted without the candidates permission.

PAY & BENEFITS

• Start Date:
  November 2025
• Location:Lower School Campus in Palo Alto, CA 94306
• Classification:Non-Exempt; Hourly
• Employment Status:Part-time
  
• Pay:$60-70 per hour, depending on experience.
  
  

Khan Lab School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The organization does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, medical conditions (including medical history or genetic characteristics), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws or regulations.