Washington Substitute Counselor

Connections Academy; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

Connections Academy is seeking a certified school counselor to support students remotely across the country. This part‑time role works from a home office, coordinating with Learning Coaches and school staff to guide students through the instructional program.

The substitute counselor will handle scheduling, progress updates, and engagement activities during short‑ to long‑term assignments, typically 8–12 weeks, with 2–20 week ranges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Highly qualified and a certified school counselor in Washington.
• Ability to obtain certification in other states as requested.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Maintain online availability to students, parents, and school staff Monday through Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm in the school’s time zone.
• Communicate regularly with parents, students, and teachers to develop and update individualized learning plans and schedules; provide feedback and monitor progress.
• Review transcripts to determine appropriate student course placements per school requirements.
• Support student social-emotional learning through individual and small-group sessions.
• Prepare students for their next steps after graduation; complete grading and generate progress reports.
• Provide synchronous and asynchronous web-conferencing support (LiveLessons).
• Maintain up-to-date student records and data, including attendance and logs.
• Meet monthly with assigned Substitute Services supervisor via video conferencing.

Skills

Certified school counselor

Excellent communication

Time management

Strong technology skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Tools

Learning management systems

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Position Summary

Working from a secure, distraction‑free home office, certified Substitute Counselors will virtually support the learning program for students in Connections Academy schools across the country. Using the telephone, Internet, and various curriculum tools, the Substitute Counselor consults frequently and regularly with students, Learning Coaches, and school personnel to ensure each child successfully completes the instructional program. The Washington Substitute Counselor acts as counselor of record at Connections Academy schools during short‑ or long‑term absences or vacancies, ranging from 2 to 20 weeks, with an average assignment of 8 to 12 weeks. This is a part‑time position with no benefits.

Responsibilities

• Maintain online availability to students, parents, and school staff Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the school’s time zone.
• Communicate regularly with parents, students, and teachers to develop and update individualized learning plans and schedules, provide feedback on student work, suggest instructional approaches and strategies, monitor assignment completion, and verify student learning.
• Review transcripts to determine appropriate student course placements per school requirements.
• Support student social‑emotional learning through individual and small‑group sessions.
• Prepare students for their next steps following graduation.
• Complete all grading, generate progress reports, and conduct parent conferences in a timely manner as instructed by the school.
• Provide synchronous and asynchronous web‑conferencing support (LiveLessons).
• Assist students and parents with alternate instructional strategies and provide help with daily assignments and projects.
• Maintain up‑to‑date student records and data, including cumulative files, online student and family information, attendance accounting, and student logs.
• When not on assignment, check email to stay informed of upcoming assignments and important Substitute Services updates.
• Meet at least monthly with an assigned Substitute Services supervisor via video conferencing, whether on or off assignment.
• Complete required professional learning targeted at individual needs throughout the year.
• Maintain active certifications.

Requirements

• Highly qualified and a certified school counselor in Washington.
• Multiple state certifications a plus.
• Ability to obtain certification in other states as requested.
• Ability to obtain additional clearances as requested.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Maintain a dedicated, distraction‑free home working environment.
• When on assignment, available Monday through Friday during assigned school hours (typically 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in the school’s time zone).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast‑paced environment requiring flexibility, effective prioritization, self‑direction, and creativity.
• Understanding of IEP/504 plans and their implementation in a virtual setting.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong time‑management and organizational skills.
• Proven commitment to student achievement.
• Strong technology skills (experience with learning management systems, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps preferred).
• Reliable, high‑speed internet access.
• Microsoft OS‑ and Microsoft Office‑equipped computer required (PC preferred).
• Customer‑focused approach and team‑player track record.
• Must not provide care for others or be employed in another job during normal school hours while on assignment; alternative care arrangements must be made.
• Complete required orientation and training programs within 30 days of hire and at the beginning of each school year.
• Must set up 2‑step authentication to log into all systems if offered a job.