Long-term Substitute - Elementary School Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Who we are ...

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. This mission drives our daily work.

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. Most importantly, our results are recognized by our most valued audience: our students and their families.

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.

About the position...

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.

This position is for maternity leave coverage and is expected to start early November and go through the first of February.

Essential Responsibilities ....

• Provides social and emotional counseling and support to elementary students.
• Meets individually with students referred by faculty, parents/guardians, administration, or through self-referral.
• Provides students with a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
• Supports students in developing appropriate social interactions, effective communication, emotional regulation, coping skills, and problem-solving strategies.
• Conducts small counseling groups and/or social-emotional lessons for students with identified needs.
• 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.
• Collaborates with teachers to identify strategies and interventions that support student success in the classroom.
• Supports students and teachers in the implementation of appropriate academic accommodations and interventions.
• Maintains appropriate documentation of counseling services, student concerns, interventions, and significant parent/staff communications.
• Communicates promptly and professionally with parents/guardians regarding student needs and concerns when appropriate.
• 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.
• Coordinates with the Counseling Department to maintain consistent counseling procedures and communication across divisions.
• Participates in Counseling Department meetings and schoolwide counseling initiatives as appropriate.
• 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.
• Takes reasonable measures to protect the health, safety, and well-being of every student.
• 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.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate counseling practices and interventions for elementary-aged students.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to student emotional or behavioral crises.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and outside professionals.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation and follow-through.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Punctual, dependable, flexible, and reliable.
• Ability to perform routine physical activities necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Must be able to pass and maintain a clean background check.

Professional Expectations ...

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. These expectations align with the professional standards included in the existing long-term substitute position.