Guidance Counselor- Long Term Substitute

Fall River Public Schools; Fall River Station (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Fall River Public Schools is seeking a Guidance Counselor for a long-term substitute position at James Madison Morton Middle School.

The role involves aiding students with educational, occupational, and personal decisions, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and community partners to support student growth and success.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in guidance and counseling is required.
• Massachusetts Certificate GUI (Pre-K-9, 5-12) is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years combined teaching and/or counseling experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in evaluating aptitudes and abilities using standardized tests and data interpretation.
• Assist students in making informed life decisions, including course selection and progress monitoring.
• Register new students and provide necessary orientation to the school.
• Provide individual and group counseling; make referrals to social services or other school-related services as needed.
• Maintain accurate cumulative progress records for assigned students and keep folders up to date.

Skills

Career counseling

Student counseling

Test administration

Parent communication

Collaboration with staff

Education

Master's Degree in guidance and counseling

Massachusetts Certificate as Guidance Counselor - GUI (Pre-K-9, 5-12)

Job description

Guidance Counselor- Long Term Substitute JobID: 1942

• Position Type: FRAA
• Date Posted: 10/13/2026
• Location: James Madison Morton Middle School

Position: Guidance Counselor

Job Description: To assist students in overcoming problems which impede learning and help them in making educational, occupational, and life decisions which facilitate their growth, potential and self-actualization.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through administration, collection, and interpretation of standardized tests and other pertinent data.
• Assist students in making informed life decisions, including subject and course selection. Carefully monitors students' progress by interviewing assigned students.
• Registers new students and provides necessary orientation to school.
• Provides individual and group counseling as needed; including career, social, emotional, and behavioral counseling. Makes referrals, where appropriate, to social service agencies as well as to other school-related services.
• Initiates, assembles, maintains, and interprets accurate cumulative progress records for assigned students. Maintains a complete folder for each student which contains all pertinent school information.
• Takes an active role in interpreting the school's objectives to students, parents and the community.
• Maintains close contact with parents and organizes parent programs as needed.
• Works closely with teachers, parents, principals, and other staff to ensure effective communication between Student Services Department, students, and staff.
• Works closely with colleges and potential work sites to disseminate information, as needed, according to the provisions of the student records policy.
• Utilizes community facilities for job placement purposes.
• Makes recommendations to colleges, prospective employers, and others deemed appropriate subject to the provision of the student records policy.
• Arranges the assignment of home tutors and advises students on summer school enrollment.
• Assists students in staying in school and in matters relating to school attendance.
• Works closely with middle school guidance counselors assisting students in their program choices for the high school using established recruitment procedures and policies.
• Any other related student services assignment deemed necessary by the Coordinator of Student Services, the building principal, and/or their designee.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in guidance and counseling, and coursework in psychology, testing and measurement, sociology, and education.
• Massachusetts Certificate as Guidance Counselor - GUI (Pre-K-9, 5-12).
• Minimum of five (5) years combined teaching and/or counseling experience.

The Superintendent of Schools reserves the right to waive a position qualification or determine that there is an acceptable alternative to that qualification. If the Superintendent intends to waive a qualification, such intent will be shared with the Fall River School Committee.

Reports To: Director of Guidance / Building Principal

Terms of Employment:In accordance with the Fall River Administrator's Contract. Continued employment is contingent on work performance, program need, and funding.

The Fall River Public School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status or active military status, mental illness, political affiliation, genetic information or disability. All candidates are encouraged to apply.