Substitute School Counselor 2026-2027

SAN-Jose-Unified-School-District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

San Jose Unified School District is seeking a Substitute School Counselor to support students' academic success, social-emotional development, and well-being when regular counselors are unavailable. You will provide essential counseling, collaborate with students, families, teachers, and staff, and help maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.

The role emphasizes continuity of care, crisis intervention, and guidance to help students navigate challenges and access resources to succeed.

Qualifications

• Resume
• Valid PPS School Counseling Credential
• TB Clearance completed within past 60 days (screenings beyond 60 days accepted with additional documentation)

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling when regular school counselors are unavailable.
• Offer individual counseling, crisis intervention, and academic guidance.
• Collaborate with students, families, teachers and staff to support well-being.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, supportive learning environment and continuity of care.

Skills

Compassionate

Adaptable

Student-centered

Relationship-building

Education

PPS School Counseling Credential

TB Clearance (within 60 days)

Job description

The impact you will have:

As a Substitute School Counselor, you will play a vital role in supporting students' academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being by providing essential counseling services when regular school counselors are unavailable. Your compassion, professionalism, and ability to build meaningful relationships will help students navigate challenges, develop positive coping strategies, and access the resources they need to succeed. Through collaboration with students, families, teachers, and school staff, you will help maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. By ensuring continuity of student support services, you will help prepare today's students to become the thinkers, leaders, and creators of tomorrow.

Who you are:

You are a compassionate, adaptable, and student-centered professional who is passionate about supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and personal growth. You build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff while creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. You remain calm and resourceful when navigating sensitive situations, demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism, and collaborate effectively to address student needs. Whether providing individual counseling, crisis intervention, or academic guidance, you are committed to ensuring continuity of care and helping students overcome barriers to success.

What you bring:

• Resume
• Valid PPS School Counseling Credential
• TB Clearance that has been completed within past 60 days (screenings beyond 60 days will be accepted with additional documentation verifying that you have been continuously working in a public school setting since the date of your latest TB screening)

AB-2534 Employment History

As of January 1, 2025, in accordance with Education Code section 44939.5 (as amended by California AB2534) applicants for certificated positions are required by law to provide a complete list of every school district, county office of education, charter school and/or state special school with which you have previously been employed, regardless of the length of service. For all certificated positions, please be comprehensive in disclosing any part-time, full-time and substitute employment.

Failure to disclose any previous educational employment may result in the disqualification of your application.

You must list all previous LEAs (Local Education Agencies) where you have been employed. If multiple LEAs are within the same district, only the district information is required. An LEA is a local entity involved in education including but not limited to school districts, county offices of education, direct-funded charter schools, and special education local plan area (SELPA).

When will you hear back from us:

Within a short period of applying, we will inform you if you will be moving forward in our hiring process and share next steps. If there is a delayed response, feel free to reach out to [e-mail].