Long-term Substitute - Elementary School Counselor

The Cottage School; Roswell (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cottage School in Roswell, GA is seeking a dedicated Long-Term Substitute Elementary School Counselor to support students in grades K–5 with diverse learning needs. The counselor will provide individual and group support, help develop social-emotional and problem-solving skills, and coordinate with teachers and families to maintain program continuity during the leave period.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in School Counseling (or related field), school counseling

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field required.
• School counseling certification and/or professional mental health licensure preferred.
• Previous Experience Working With Elementary-aged Children Strongly Preferred.
• Experience with students with learning differences, ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, and/or other social-emotional needs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Meets individually with students referred by faculty, parents/guardians, administration, or through self-referral.
• Facilitates regularly scheduled character education and social-emotional learning activities.
• Provides crisis intervention and support as needed and follows established safety procedures.
• Works closely with the Elementary School Principal, Counseling Department, Learning Specialist, teachers, and other school personnel regarding students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
• Supports students and teachers in the implementation of appropriate academic accommodations and interventions.
• Assists families in identifying outside professional resources, including therapists, psychologists, and other community-based supports, when needed.
• Participates in student support meetings and IEP conferences as appropriate.
• Assists with standardized testing procedures and accommodations as needed.
• Collaborates with the Learning Specialist regarding students who may require additional assessment or academic support.
• Assists with the 5th-grade transition process to support students moving into the Middle School program, including collaboration regarding academic placement and student support needs.
• Follows established Elementary School counseling procedures, schedules, and ongoing responsibilities to ensure continuity of services during the leave period.
• Promotes a positive, inclusive, and cooperative school environment that supports student learning and well-being.
• Maintains student confidentiality and follows all professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities associated with school counseling.
• Adheres to all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.

Skills

Elementary-aged children experience

Education

Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field

School counseling certification/licensure preferred

Job description

About The Cottage School

At The Cottage School, our mission is to build a sense of self for students with special learning needs through academic and experiential programming. We prepare individuals to fulfill their true potential as confident, productive, and independent adults. Founded in 1985, The Cottage School (TCS) has two campuses, both located in Roswell, GA. The main campus serves grades 6-12 across 23+ beautifully wooded acres while the elementary campus caters to grades K-5 on 2+ wooded acres. We are fully accredited by AdvanceEd and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). TCS has received recognition for excellence from distinguished educators, counselors, and psychologists and has been named one of the Top 50 Best Private Special Needs Schools in the United States by the Masters in Special Education Resource Guide. At TCS, we believe that a structured environment with a low student-to-teacher ratio can significantly improve academic success while addressing our students’ areas of weaknesses. We offer a combination of academic and experiential programs tailored to various learning styles and skills. Every student has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to set academic and personal goals.

Position Overview

The Cottage School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Long-Term Substitute Elementary School Counselor to support students in grades K–5 with unique learning needs. The ideal candidate will have experience working with elementary-aged children and an understanding of students with learning differences and varying social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.

The Long-Term Substitute Counselor will provide individual and group support, assist students in developing effective social-emotional and problem-solving skills, collaborate closely with teachers and school leadership, and communicate with parents/guardians as appropriate. The counselor will help maintain consistency in the Elementary School counseling program throughout the leave period.

Responsibilities

• Meets individually with students referred by faculty, parents/guardians, administration, or through self-referral.
• Facilitates regularly scheduled character education and social-emotional learning activities.
• Provides crisis intervention and support as needed and follows established TCS safety and risk-assessment procedures.
• Works closely with the Elementary School Principal, Counseling Department, Learning Specialist, teachers, and other school personnel regarding students' social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
• Supports students and teachers in the implementation of appropriate academic accommodations and interventions.
• Assists families in identifying outside professional resources, including therapists, psychologists, and other community-based supports, when needed.
• Participates in student support meetings and IEP conferences as appropriate.
• Assists with standardized testing procedures and accommodations as needed.
• Collaborates with the Learning Specialist regarding students who may require additional assessment or academic support.
• Assists with the 5th-grade transition process to support students moving into the Middle School program, including collaboration regarding academic placement and student support needs.
• Follows established Elementary School counseling procedures, schedules, and ongoing responsibilities to ensure continuity of services during the leave period.
• Promotes a positive, inclusive, and cooperative school environment that supports student learning and well-being.
• Maintains student confidentiality and follows all professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities associated with school counseling.
• Adheres to all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Elementary School Principal and/or Director of Counseling.

Education and Skills for Success

• Master’s Degree in School Counseling, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field required.
• School counseling certification and/or professional mental health licensure preferred.
• Previous Experience Working With Elementary-aged Children Strongly Preferred.
• Experience working with students with learning differences, ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, and/or other social-emotional needs is highly desirable.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Punctual, dependable, flexible, and reliable.
• Ability to perform routine physical activities necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.

The Long-Term Substitute Elementary School Counselor is expected to model ethical and professional behavior, communicate responsibly with all members of the school community, work cooperatively with colleagues, maintain confidentiality, and contribute positively to the culture and mission of The Cottage School.