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OVERVIEW

The Wellness Coordinator for Cornell's Precollege Program is a critical role responsible for the overall health and well-being of all students, with a primary focus on mental and emotional wellness. This role requires a candidate with a background in psychology, counseling, or mental health who can provide informed, compassionate support to a diverse residential community of middle and high school students. Your role involves proactively identifying students who may be struggling emotionally or psychologically, providing appropriate support and referrals, and fostering a campus culture where wellness is normalized and prioritized. You will serve as a key liaison between students, staff, parents, the program director, and mental health professionals.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Mental Health Support & Student Care

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for students experiencing emotional distress, homesickness, anxiety, conflict, or other mental health concerns during the program.
  • Conduct informal wellness check-ins with students throughout the program, building trusting relationships that encourage students to seek help proactively.
  • Provide psychoeducation to students on topics such as stress management, sleep hygiene, healthy relationships, and coping strategies — appropriate to middle and high school age groups.
  • Recognize warning signs of more serious mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, disordered eating, self-harm) and follow established protocols for escalation, family notification, and professional referral.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with program policies while knowing when and how to involve the Program Director, parents, or outside professionals.
  • Never dismiss a student's emotional or psychological concerns. A low-barrier, non-judgmental approach to care is essential.
  • Coordinate self care activities or resources such as breathing exercises, yoga, etc. 

Medical Coordination

  • Coordinate doctor appointments as needed and follow up with students and accompanying staff members after visits.
  • Communicate medical visits and health updates to parents/guardians in a timely and professional manner.
  • Ensure all medical visit paperwork is collected, scanned, and uploaded into each student's PrepforSummer file for future reference.
  • Verify that all students have medical insurance and up-to-date emergency contact information on file.
  • Maintain and regularly replenish medical supply inventory.
  • Maintain copies of all international student medical receipts and documentation.

Staff Partnership & Training

  • Collaborate with the Nurse and Director to equip Resident Counselors with clear protocols for identifying and responding to students in emotional or physical distress, including when and how to notify the Wellness Coordinator.
  • Serve as a resource and sounding board for RCs managing emotionally complex student situations.

Campus & Community Coordination

  • Coordinate with Cornell's on-campus health services upon program arrival to establish procedures for both routine and urgent visits.
  • Identify and build a relationship with a key contact at the local non-emergency medical facility; if possible, visit in person before the program begins.
  • Prepare and distribute clear, accessible directions to the campus health center, off-campus clinics, and the nearest emergency hospital for RC reference.
  • Oversee the day-to-day schedule in coordination with any on-site nursing staff.

COMPETENCIES

  • Background in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related mental health field — strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to support adolescents navigating emotional, social, or behavioral challenges with professionalism, empathy, and appropriate boundaries.
  • Sound clinical and situational judgment; knows when to provide direct support and when to escalate.
  • Strong communication skills across audiences — able to speak clearly and sensitively with students, parents, staff, and medical professionals.
  • Warm, approachable presence that reduces stigma around seeking help and fosters trust.
  • High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive student information.
  • Proactive and organized; able to manage documentation, follow-ups, and logistics alongside direct student care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically for extended periods with students, staff, and parents.
  • Availability and alertness during both daytime programming and evening/overnight hours as student needs arise.
  • Ability to move freely throughout campus to check in on students and respond to situations as they develop.
  • Capacity to work in a warm to hot climate, including spaces that may be without air conditioning.
  • Physical and emotional stamina to manage the demands of a high-energy, residential summer program environment.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

  • You will be required to live on campus for the entirety of the program (June 10 – August 2, 2026).
  • Attendance at mandatory staff orientation before students arrive is required.
  • You will receive one day off for every two weeks spent on campus.
  • A flexible, student-centered schedule is essential given the nature of a residential community.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, & QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program.
  • Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a graduate program in psychology, counseling, social work, mental health, or a closely related field — required.
  • Prior experience working with middle or high school students in a mental health, counseling, residential, or youth development capacity — strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and crisis de-escalation techniques is a plus.
  • Understanding of and commitment to a structured residential schedule with limited time off.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting your experience to katie@summerdiscovery.com to schedule an interview.

Summer Discovery is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is an equal opportunity employer.