Long-Term Substitute Upper School Counselor

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Long-Term Substitute - Upper School Counselor provides temporary coverage for an Upper School Counselor during an approved leave of absence. This role is responsible for maintaining continuity of counseling services and supporting the social-emotional well-being of students in grades 9-12 throughout the assignment.

The substitute counselor works closely with the Upper School Counseling Team to ensure consistent delivery of services, appropriate response to student needs, and alignment with established school practices.

This position is not eligible for continued employment beyond the assignment period.

Supervisor: Head of Upper School

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Position Status: Temporary, Part-time, Exempt

Hours of Work: Typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.


Anticipated start date: August 12, 2026

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of a successful candidate.

• Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or related field required
• Eligibility for or current counseling licensure/certification preferred
• Experience working with adolescents required; Upper School experience preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
• Ability to step into an established role and follow existing systems and practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a school-based counseling environment
• Familiarity with independent school settings
• Experience supporting short-term or transitional coverage roles

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support & Counseling

• Provides individual and small-group counseling to support students' social, emotional, and developmental needs
• Assesses student needs and develops appropriate intervention strategies
• Supports students in developing self-advocacy, resilience, and well-being skills
• Responds to and manages student crises in coordination with school leadership

Continuity of Care

• Maintain ongoing support plans established prior to the leave
• Documents interactions and ensures accurate record-keeping in accordance with school practices
• Communicates relevant updates to the counseling team to ensure seamless transitions

Consultation & Collaboration

• Collaborates with faculty, administrators, and student support teams to address student needs
• Consults with parents/guardians regarding student well-being and development
• Partners with school nurses, chaplains, and division leaders to ensure coordinated care

Program Development & Implementation

• Designs and implements programming that promotes student wellness and mental health awareness
• Contributes to a proactive, visible counseling program aligned with school priorities
• Provides guidance on best practices and emerging trends in adolescent mental health

Referral & External Coordination

• Consults with and refers to external mental health professionals as appropriate
• Maintains awareness of community resources and support networks
• Coordinates care plans while maintaining appropriate confidentiality

Faculty Support & Education

• Provides consultation and guidance to faculty on student well-being and classroom support strategies
• Supports professional development related to student mental health and wellness
• Assists in building faculty capacity to support diverse student needs

Community Engagement

• Participates in school events, student activities, and community programming
• Contributes to advisory, mentoring, and student leadership initiatives
• Supports a visible and accessible counseling presence within the Upper School

And perform other duties as assigned. Additionally, successful candidates will:

• Demonstrate a love of working with college-bound Upper School students
• Utilize an engaging teaching style
• Build partnerships with parents and colleagues
• Create and promote an inclusive learning environment with enthusiasm, flexibility, and a cooperative spirit

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and frequently walks on slippery or uneven surfaces. The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day. Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment. It is Westminster's policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state, and local laws. EOE/M/F/D/V.