Substitute Counselor

Effective 2025-2026 school year

At will employment

Posting Period: Open roster

Full Day - 7 hours/Half Day - 4 hours

Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Non-exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications:

• 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 (as related to counseling services)
• Strong understanding (through coursework/experience) 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

Essential Functions:

• Work to build relationships and establish trust (with students, parents and staff) by maintaining a visible presence within the school
• Work directly with parents and teachers to help students develop a positive self-concept, enhance open communication, and create a positive school climate in which students can learn
• Work directly with all students, parents, and teachers to provide a comprehensive "student needs based" counseling program (American School Counselors Association Model)
• Participate in professional meetings relating to his/her area of expertise (Professional Group, building’s screening team, CAST, etc.)
• Work directly with student and staff in all levels of behavior support including planning and crisis intervention
• Work directly within the student information system to develop and manage both school and individual student schedules
• Make class presentations of guidance curriculum
• Work directly with students to help them learn how to manage, organize information and make decisions
• Work as the primary case manager for Section 504 evaluations and plans which include managing student and data files and engaging in ongoing communication with other staff, as is necessary, to ensure 504 compliance
• Work as the primary case manager for building Student Review teams
• Provides crisis intervention and guidance services in all school settings including classroom, playground, field trips, etc. May include monitoring students who have run away from supervised areas of the school building and school grounds
• Must be able to physically restrain/maintaina student to ensure the safety of other students
• Participate in individual behavioral planning, documentation and intervention, as needed (behavior plans, manifestation determinations, threat assessment, and crisis intervention)
• Work directly with students to assist them in developing effective coping skills necessary to refuse participation in gang affiliation/activity and substance abuse
• Uses student disputes and misbehaviors as opportunities to authentically engage students in developing and practicing anger management strategies and problem-solving skills
• Maintain necessary data for purposes of analyzing student progress and program effectiveness
• Actively engages studetns in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
• Work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
• Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the Comprehensive Professional Agreement to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements
• Supervision of Students
• Other duties as assigned

SOC Code: 211012

Benefits/Compensation:

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

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.