26-27 Long Term Substitute - College and Career Counselor (8/27/26 - 12/23/26)

Somerville Public Schools • Somerville, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a temporary position, 8/27/26-12/23/26. The College & Career Counselor works in collaboration with the Director of College & Career Readiness and the Somerville High School Counseling Department to support students in postsecondary planning and career readiness. The counselor assists in the continuous evaluation, development, and implementation of a comprehensive and proactive college and career counseling program that supports equitable access to postsecondary opportunities for all students at Somerville High School. The College & Career Counselor supports students and families through the college application, financial aid, scholarship, career exploration, and workforce development processes while fostering a student-centered, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment.

Requirements

• Appropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this position
• DESE SEI endorsement
• Experience in college counseling, particularly with low-income and first-generation college students, preferred
• Experience supporting postsecondary planning and workforce readiness initiatives preferred
• Bilingual Educator Preferred
• Knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, scholarship, and career readiness processes
• Understanding of postsecondary planning strategies and student support practices
• Ability to use student data and outcome measures to inform decision-making and program improvement
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong time management and multitasking skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, staff, colleges, and community partners
• Ability to support and engage students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive student information appropriately
• Proficiency with educational technology systems, student information systems, and college planning platforms such as Naviance
• Ability to facilitate workshops, presentations, and family engagement events
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered counseling practices

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of students in support of postsecondary planning and career readiness
• Conduct individual meetings with students and families regarding college and career planning
• Guide students in developing balanced and appropriate college lists
• Communicate with students, families, school counselors, and teachers regarding the college and career planning process as needed
• Review college applications, essays, resumes, and supporting application materials
• Monitor and remind students regarding timely submission of applications, financial aid materials, and scholarship opportunities
• Support students in the scholarship application process
• Provide workforce development coaching, including resume review and interview preparation
• Support students in understanding and selecting career training and workforce development programs
• Provide college, career, and postsecondary information aligned with students’ aspirations, interests, and abilities
• Collaborate closely with the School Counseling Department and college and career readiness staff
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student interactions and postsecondary planning activities
• Track, analyze, and report on data related to student success indicators, including FAFSA/MASFA completion, college visits, and counseling participation
• Manage student applications and supporting documentation through Naviance and other college and career readiness platforms
• Arrange, coordinate, and chaperone college tour field trips and related activities
• Plan and facilitate postsecondary workshops and presentations for students in classroom and group settings
• Plan and facilitate postsecondary informational events and workshops for families
• Support successful student transition to postsecondary education and first-year college experiences
• Participate in professional development to remain current with college and career counseling practices and trends
• Participate in ongoing meetings with supervisors to ensure counseling practices remain aligned with current legal, ethical, and professional standards established by NACAC, ACA, and ASCA
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the core responsibilities of the position

Benefits

• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed