Substitute Elementary School Counselor; Long-Term Substitute

Substitute Elementary School Counselor (Long-Term Substitute)

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Substitute Elementary School Counselor (Long-Term Substitute) Job Description

The Substitute Elementary School Counselor is a temporary, long-term substitute position that supports the counseling department during the absence of the full-time Elementary School Counselor. This role plays an important part in maintaining continuity of Character Education, student support services, and academic guidance for K–5 students. The substitute counselor will collaborate with staff, parents, and administrators to ensure that students’ social, emotional, and academic needs are met in alignment with Prospect Ridge Academy's Mission and Vision.

• Implement and support Character Education lessons and activities.
• Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and professionalism when working with students.
• Provide short-term social, emotional, and academic counseling support to students.
• Meet with individual students or small groups as directed by administration.
• Communicate consistently and effectively with students, parents, teachers, and staff.
• Support teachers and administration in addressing student needs and promoting positive behavior.
• Assist with K–5 Character assemblies, service-learning projects, and other scheduled student programs.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to PRA policies and procedures.
• Document student interactions and referrals as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in RtI, PST, IEP, and 504 meetings when requested.
• Follow established communication pathways and school counseling protocols.
• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure seamless student support in the counselor’s absence.
• Complete other related duties as assigned by the school principal.

• Master’s degree required.
• Current Colorado Special Services Provider License – School Counselor preferred (Social Worker licensure also accepted).
• Previous experience providing counseling or social-emotional support in a school setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students of varied backgrounds, learning styles, and needs.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to PRA’s Character Education and Positive Behavior System.

• Excellent communication skills with students, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to show empathy, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptable and able to transition smoothly into existing systems and routines.
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to build rapport quickly.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Proficient in technology tools and documentation systems related to student counseling and support.

• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may occasionally be performed outside with exposure to varying temperatures.
• This position includes contact with students, staff, administrators, parents, and the Prospect Ridge Academy Board of Directors.
• Work hours may vary depending on school needs and may occasionally be extended.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This position reports to the Elementary School Principal(s).
• Direct Reports:
  None.

Hiring Range: $23.75 per hour

Prospect Ridge Academy offers a comprehensive total compensation package for employees working 0.75 FTE or greater, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options designed to support you and your family’s health and wellness.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Options for health care and dependent care expenses.
• Life & Disability Coverage – Employer‑paid life, short‑term, and long‑term disability insurance.
• Retirement – Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement plan with both employee and employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off – Paid Annual Leave (PAL) beginning on your first day of work, plus 11–15 paid holidays per year (depending on contract length).
• Mental Health & Well‑being – Access to confidential resources and support for mental and emotional wellness.

Employees working less than 0.75 FTE are eligible for PERA retirement contributions and paid holidays.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Education and Training

• Education Administration Programs