Long Term Substitute Counselor in Worcester, Massachusetts at Abby Kelley Foster School

Job Title: Long- Term Substitute Counselor

Location: Elementary School

Reports To: Building Principal

Subordinates: None

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time, Non-Exempt

School Year: School Year 2026-2027
Salary Range: $225 Per Day Rate (Substitute Scale School Year 2026-2027)

Job Description:

We are seeking a dedicated Long-Term Substitute Counselor to provide consistent and effective instruction in the absence of the regular school Counselor. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting students in their academic, social-emotional, and career development. The counselor provides guidance in course selection, college and career readiness, and personal growth, ensuring all students have access to resources that help them succeed.

This job description outlines the core duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required in this role. The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable in meeting the evolving needs of the District.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling to support students' academic, social-emotional, and career development.

• Monitor student progress and intervene with appropriate strategies to support struggling students.

• Conduct crisis intervention and provide support for students dealing with personal challenges.

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to create individualized student support plans.

• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Advocate for student needs and work to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.

• Facilitate communication between students, families, and school staff to address academic and personal concerns.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Social Work or a related field.

• Valid Massachusetts license in Social Work, School Adjustment Counseling, or Mental Health Provider

• Prior counseling experience in a school setting is preferred.

• Knowledge of counseling best practices.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.

Additional Requirements:

• Background check and fingerprinting as required by Massachusetts regulations.

• Completion of any required training or certifications upon hire, including first aid, CPR, and behavior management training.

Massachusetts DESES Regulations for This Position:

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has established specific guidelines for the employment of Long-Term Substitute Teachers. Key criteria include:

1. Educational Requirements:

   • A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required to serve as a Long-Term Substitute Teacher.

2. Licensure Requirements:

   • For assignments exceeding 90 consecutive days, the substitute must hold the appropriate Massachusetts teaching license for the subject area they are teaching.

3. Duration of Assignment:

   • Under emergency regulations, individuals with a bachelor's degree can serve as Long-Term Substitutes for up to the entire school year, an increase from the previous limit of 90 days. However, this extension does not apply to roles requiring Special Education or English as a Second Language (ESL) licenses.

4. Hardship Waivers:

   • In situations where a licensed educator is unavailable, districts may apply for a hardship waiver to employ an unlicensed individual as a Long-Term Substitute. The District must demonstrate that a suitable licensed candidate is not available for the position.

Important Note:

Applicants who are hired for this position and are found to have provided falsified or inaccurate information during the application process are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

Temporary Full-Time Position in accordance with the established Substitute Teacher Scale. This position is not eligible for any Benefits.

Abby Kelley Foster Public Charter School is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School Mission

The mission of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School is to assist families in their role as primary educators of their students by providing a liberal arts education representative of diverse works and global perspectives and aimed at academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation.