Long Term Subsitute Adjustment Counselor

West Springfield Public Schools; West Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

West Springfield High School in West Springfield, MA seeks a Long Term Substitute Adjustment Counselor to provide direct counseling, case management, and collaboration with SEBS programs during the absence of the regular counselor.

The role focuses on trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, data-informed decisions, and supporting students with IEPs to access learning and develop self-regulation while maintaining continuity of services.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts licensure as a School Adjustment Counselor or School Social Worker, or eligibility.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience providing counseling and crisis intervention to students with social-emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small group counseling aligned with student goals.
• Implement SEL and behavioral interventions within school programs.
• Participate in daily check-in/check-out routines and support during crises.
• Assist in developing and implementing safety plans and transition support.
• Maintain counseling documentation and progress reporting.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, and families for coordinated support.
• Participate in IEP meetings and ensure confidentiality per policy.

Skills

Counseling & crisis intervention

Trauma-informed practices

Communication skills

Relationship building

Collaboration with teams

Behavioral support knowledge

Education

Bachelor degree

Massachusetts licensure eligibility

Job description

Long Term Subsitute Adjustment Counselor

West Springfield Public Schools West Springfield High School - West Springfield, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5955868 Application Deadline: Posted until filled Posted: Oct 09, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Oct 15, 2026

Job Description

Long Term Sub Adjustment Counselor

West Springfield High School

The Long-Term Substitute School Adjustment Counselor provides direct counseling, case management, and consultation services to students in the West Side Academy and SEBS (Social Emotional Behavioral Support) programs during the absence of the regularly assigned School Adjustment Counselor. This position supports students with IEPs who present with significant social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs. The role focuses on therapeutic intervention, crisis response, data-informed decision making, trauma-informed practices, and collaboration to help students access learning, develop self-regulation skills, and successfully participate in their educational program.

The position requires flexibility, responsiveness, and the ability to work effectively within a therapeutic educational environment while maintaining continuity of services for students.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Services

• Provide individual and small group counseling aligned with students' IEP social-emotional and behavioral goals.
• Implement evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavioral interventions within the SEBS and West Side Academy programs.
• Participate in daily student check-in/check-out routines and provide ongoing support throughout the school day.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and support during behavioral or emotional crises.
• Assist in developing and implementing safety plans and support students returning from hospitalization or other significant events.
• Monitor student progress, maintain counseling documentation, and contribute to progress reporting.

Collaboration and Case Management

• Collaborate with SEBS teachers, paraprofessionals, BCBAs, related service providers, administrators, and families to ensure coordinated student support.
• Assist in implementing Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other student support plans.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and social-emotional supports.
• Coordinate, as appropriate, with outside providers and community agencies to support student success.
• Support student transitions between therapeutic and general education settings as appropriate.

Compliance and Program Responsibilities

• Participate in IEP Team meetings, including providing input regarding student progress, counseling services, and social-emotional goals.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Follow all established safety procedures and maintain QBS Safety-Care certification, or obtain certification if required.
• Attend staff meetings, professional development, and other meetings necessary to ensure continuity of student services.
• Perform other duties assigned by the building principal or designee that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

Required:

• Massachusetts licensure as a School Adjustment Counselor or School Social Worker, or eligibility for appropriate licensure.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and behavioral intervention strategies.
• Experience providing counseling and crisis intervention to students with social-emotional and behavioral needs.
• Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.

Preferred:

• Experience working in therapeutic, alternative, or behavior-focused educational settings.
• Familiarity with Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and data-informed behavioral supports.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including BCBAs and special education staff.
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning frameworks such as Zones of Regulation or similar programs.
• Bilingual and culturally responsive candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary

120+ credits or Bachelor's = $145.00/day

Certified or Retired = $160.00/day

Position Type

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories

Student Services > School/Guidance Counselor

Welcome to West Springfield High School

West Springfield High School is a dynamic learning organization committed to student achievement and continuous improvement. We strive to create a personalized learning community that emphasizes equity and access so that students demonstrate high levels of academic mastery. Our faculty believes in the importance of rigor, relevance,reflection and relationships in teaching and learning.

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Springfield Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis.of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran’sstatus, sexual orientation, genetic information, neurodiversity, gender identity or expression,marital status, or any other class protected by state, federal, or local laws. Equal Opportunityapplies to all areas of employment including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer,termination, layoff, compensation, benefits and all other conditions and privileges ofemployment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor degree preferred.

Contact Information

• Patrick Danby , Principal
• 425 Piper Road
• West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]