Substitute Counselor

Job Description

Effective  school year. At‑will employment.

Full day: 7 hours. Half day: 4 hours.

Fair Labor Standard Act status:
Non‑exempt.

• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate school counselor certificate.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives.
• Experience as a classroom teacher and/or mental health specialist, preferred.
• Experience working effectively with diverse groups of teachers, students, and parents.
• Experience conducting large‑group presentations and both small group and individual counseling sessions.
• Experience developing schedules and maintaining data related to counseling services.
• Strong understanding of issues relating to poverty, gang affiliation, and substance abuse.
• Preferred specific training in drug and alcohol intervention, anger management strategies, peer mediation, peer helper, and character education programs.
• Ability to work effectively with community agencies and organizations to obtain support and resources.
• Preferred specific training in developing positive relationships and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse.
• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning, and instructional tool.

• Build relationships and establish trust by maintaining a visible presence within the school.
• Work directly with parents and teachers to help students develop a positive self‑concept, enhance communication, and create a positive school climate.
• Provide a comprehensive student‑needs‑based counseling program (American School Counselors Association Model).
• Participate in professional meetings relating to the counselor’s area of expertise.
• Support students and staff in all levels of behavior support, including planning and crisis intervention.
• Use the student information system to develop and manage school and individual student schedules.
• Make class presentations of the guidance curriculum.
• Assist students in learning how to manage, organize information, and make decisions.
• Serve as the primary case manager for Section 504 evaluations and plans, including managing data files and ongoing communication to ensure compliance.
• Serve as the primary case manager for building Student Review teams.
• Provide crisis intervention and guidance services in all school settings, including monitoring students who have run away from supervised areas.
• Maintain physical safety of students when necessary.
• Participate in individual behavioral planning, documentation, and intervention as needed.
• Help students develop coping skills to refuse participation in gang affiliation or substance abuse.
• Use student disputes and misbehaviors as opportunities to engage students in anger management and problem‑solving strategies.
• Maintain necessary data for analyzing student progress and program effectiveness.
• Engage students in using technology for individual and collaborative learning activities.
• Work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse.
• Work flexibly and cooperatively.
• Treat co‑workers, supervisors, students, parents, and others with dignity and respect at all times.
• Serve as a positive role model and practice expected behaviors.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the comprehensive professional agreement.
• Supervise students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Regular Rate: $28.00 hourly;
  Enhanced Rate: $30.95 hourly (must work 25 full days in a semester to qualify for the enhanced rate the following semester).
• Benefits: Employees who work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Includes sick leave accrual of 1 hour per 40 hours worked.