JOB DESCRIPTION:  Long-Term Substitute Counselor

CONTRACT TERMS:  Temporary Assigned (As Needed)

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal

SALARY RANGE:  $150 per day, long-term certified.  

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT: Exempt

This is a non-benefit-eligible position

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Long-Term Substitute School Counselor provides comprehensive school counseling services during the temporary absence of a certified school counselor. The counselor supports students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, career awareness, and overall well-being by implementing the school's counseling program, providing individual and group counseling, collaborating with staff and families, coordinating intervention services, and ensuring continuity of student support throughout the assignment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education

  • Master's degree or higher in School Counseling from an accredited institution.

• Certification

  • Valid Georgia Professional Certificate in School Counseling (S-5 or higher) issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

• Preferred Experience

  • Previous experience as a school counselor.

  • Experience working in a K–12 educational setting.

  • Knowledge of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Section 504, and student support processes.

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Knowledge of the ASCA National Model and Georgia School Counseling Program standards.

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.

• Knowledge of MTSS, Student Support Team (SST), Section 504, and special education referral procedures.

• Knowledge of social-emotional learning, behavior supports, crisis response, and conflict resolution.

• Knowledge of FERPA, mandatory reporting requirements, and student confidentiality.

• Ability to provide individual and small-group counseling.

• Ability to analyze academic, attendance, behavior, and assessment data.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, administrators, and community agencies.

• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

Academic Development & Student Success

• Implements the school's comprehensive counseling program during the assigned period.

• Assists students in developing academic skills, goal-setting strategies, and habits that support school success.

• Monitors student progress and collaborates with staff and families to support academic achievement.

• Supports students during educational transitions as appropriate.

• Promotes student engagement, attendance, and school connectedness.

Social-Emotional Development

• Provides individual and small-group counseling to address academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and personal concerns.

• Delivers classroom guidance lessons, when requested, aligned with school counseling goals.

• Assists in identifying students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns.

• Supports implementation of PBIS, restorative practices, and school climate initiatives.

• Assists with crisis prevention, intervention, and response activities under the direction of school administration.

Student Support Services

• Participates in MTSS, SST, Section 504, IEP, and other student support meetings as assigned.

• Uses academic, attendance, behavior, and assessment data to identify students in need of intervention.

• Collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies to coordinate student supports.

• Refers students and families to appropriate school and community resources.

• Assists with development and monitoring of intervention plans.

Family & Community Engagement

• Communicates with parents and guardians regarding student progress and support services.

• Participates in conferences and meetings with families as appropriate.

• Serves as a resource regarding available school and community supports.

Data, Compliance & Documentation

• Maintains accurate counseling records and documentation in accordance with FERPA and district procedures.

• Maintains documentation related to counseling interventions and student support services.

• Assists with school and district reporting requirements related to counseling services.

• Maintains confidentiality of all student and family information.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains Georgia Professional Certification in School Counseling.

• Adheres to the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators and ASCA ethical standards.

• Demonstrates professionalism in appearance, communication, and interactions with students, staff, families, and community members.

• Follows work scheduling and attendance requirements in a regular, predictable, and punctual manner.

• Ensures adherence to district safety procedures.

• Follows federal and state laws, Board policies, district procedures, and school expectations.

• Performs other duties related to the assignment as directed by the Building Principal.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the position requires approximately 50% Sitting, 30% Walking, and 20% Standing.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Maintains Georgia Professional Certification in School Counseling.

• Completes all district-required substitute orientation and onboarding requirements.

• Participates in required district training related to school safety, FERPA, ethics, mandatory reporting, confidentiality, suicide awareness, threat assessment, and crisis response.

• Maintains current knowledge of ASCA standards, Georgia Department of Education school counseling guidance, MTSS, PBIS, student support services, and district counseling procedures.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Building Principal in accordance with district procedures for long-term substitute personnel.

CLEARANCES:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint

Background Clearance

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The Social Circle City School District does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices.  It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and all accompanying regulations.