Substitute Counselor 2026-2027

Tacoma Public Schools (WA); Rockville (RI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Tacoma Public Schools in Washington seeks a licensed school guidance counselor to provide the guidance program, conduct individual and group counseling, and consult with teachers, staff and parents to support students’ behavioral, social and emotional development and academic success.

The role requires a Master’s degree in school counseling and WA ESA Counselor Certificate; maintain confidentiality and collaborate with families and community resources to promote student well‑being.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited program.
• Valid Washington State ESA Counselor Certificate is required.
• Experience in delivering school counseling services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides a comprehensive guidance program for students.
• Delivers individual and group counseling to address behavioral, social, and emotional needs.
• Consults with teachers, staff, and parents to support student success.
• Guides students in career awareness and educational planning.
• Maintains confidentiality and adheres to reporting requirements.

Skills

Counseling

Guidance

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Master's degree in school counseling

Washington ESA Counselor Certificate

Job description

Tacoma Public Schools

Expected Start Date:As soon as possible

Hours per day:

Salary Level:Salary Available at Salary Schedules - Substitute Hourly Rates

Benefits: NONE

This position provides a comprehensive guidance program for students; provides individual and group counseling; consults with teachers, staff, and parents to enhance their effectiveness in helping students successfully deal with behavioral, social, and emotional issues, and achieve academic success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Implements the school guidance curriculum; conducts and/or assists in planning and facilitating guidance learning activities in the classroom; consults with and supports teachers in facilitating the infusion of guidance activities into their regular education curricula.
• Guides and counsels students individually and in small groups through the development of social and educational plans; provides and participates in orientation activities for students new to school; provides resources and information to assist in career awareness.
• Counsels students individually and in small groups to help them understand, overcome, and resolve academic, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns.
• Counsels families of students experiencing chronic academic, behavioral, social, and emotional problems; suggests referrals to appropriate district resources and/or appropriate community resources.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes information about students through records, testing, interviews, and professional sources to appraise their interests, aptitudes, abilities, and personality characteristics for educational planning.
• Consults with teachers, staff, parents, and mental health professionals regarding meeting the development needs of students; provides guidance to teachers and staff in dealing with students with academic, behavioral, social, or emotional problems; assists teachers in identifying students with special needs and special abilities.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with various parent support groups, and governmental and community family service agencies; involves these groups in assessment, interventions, and program procedures; develops a network of social referral resources.
• Participates with teams in establishing and planning respective roles in modifying a student’s behavior; develops individualized student behavior management programs; makes recommendations; provides feedback to team members and parents.
• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal legislation related to education, including special education and Section 504; enhances personal knowledge through participation in case conferences, professional growth activities, professional organizations, and meetings.
• Maintains appropriate reports and records on each assigned student; protects each student’s confidentiality; provides specific reports according to procedures or as assigned.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Performs related guidance duties as assigned.

CONDITIONS

May be required to deal with angry and distraught students/parents; may be exposed to childhood diseases; may be required to travel to one or more schools.

Education and Experience (Required)

Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited college or university; prior counseling experience is desired or any combination of experience and training (education) which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Note additional requirement below of Valid Washington State ESA Counselor Certificate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of childhood social, emotional, physical, and academic development.
• Knowledge of Section 504, IDEA, and other state and federal regulations regarding the identification and placement of students in special education.
• Knowledge of community support resources and family service agencies.
• Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.
• Ability to assess guidance curriculum needs and implement the guidance curriculum.
• Ability to lead and facilitate individual and group activities based upon brief psycho-educational models.
• Ability to act as a liaison with community family service agencies and other support resources
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
• Ability to participate as part of a team.

Certifications, Licenses and Special Requirements

Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.

Valid Washington State ESA Counselor Certificate.

Supplemental Information

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Coordinator, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator:

Tiffany Davis-Brantley

253-571-1252, [e-mail]

Section 504 Coordinator: Laura Tuman

253-571-1086, [e-mail]

Tacoma Public Schools

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1357

Tacoma, WA 98401-1357

www.tacomaschools.org