Long Term Substitute: School Counselor SY25-26
About The Position
School Counselor (9-12) needed June 1, 2026-June 24, 2026 (anticipated last day) to cover a leave. Opportunity to extend until November 30, 2026. Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm School Counselor to join our team at the Needham High School School. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate . This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here .
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in School Counseling, or a related field
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license (must either hold or be engaged in a process to earn)
- School Counselor DESE license
- Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills and organization, possess strong communication and writing skills, and be able to manage several responsibilities in a fast- paced environment.
- Commit to the creation and sustainability of an inclusive, equitable learning environment for all students and faculty, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Nice To Haves
- Strong clinical skills
- Experience working in a school setting.
- Experience delivering special education services
Responsibilities
- Provides counseling in school for students in need of all levels of emotional support (short-term and long-term), while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
- Provide academic and psot-secondary planning
- Communicate and collaborate proactively with parents, administrators, teachers, support staff, and other mental health providers as necessary regarding student social, emotional, mental health, and educational needs.
- Consult with staff including coaching and professional development on social/emotional/behavioral needs and interventions with students.
- Participate in several teams and programs to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention plans, such as Student Support Teams, Section 504, Special Education, etc.
- Develop and implement school-wide counseling initiatives and curriculum to build school culture and support social-emotional well-being and learning.
- Adhere to all ethical and professional standards, including those of a mandated reporter
- Use technology and computer-based student information systems to create and manage student records, schedules, attendance, applications, etc...
- Manage Section 504 for students on counselor caseload.
- Responsible for case management with collateral contacts and partnering with community and state agencies.
- Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities, curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
