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Job Description
Long-Term Substitute Guidance Counselor Position:
Long-Term Substitute Guidance Counselor School Level:
Helen Keller Middle School Start Date:
Anticipated Oct 26, 2026 Position Summary Easton Public Schools is seeking a compassionate, student-centered, and skilled Long-Term Substitute Guidance Counselor to support the academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs of middle school students. The successful candidate will provide counseling services, crisis support, classroom guidance, family consultation, and collaboration with teachers, administrators, and student support teams. This position requires a professional who understands the unique developmental needs of middle school students and can build trusting relationships with students, families, and staff. Essential Responsibilities The Long-Term Substitute Guidance Counselor will be responsible for typical school counseling duties, including but not limited to: Social-Emotional Counseling Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling to support students navigating anxiety, grief, body image concerns, family changes, peer relationships, and other social-emotional challenges. Crisis Intervention Respond to immediate student mental health concerns, including panic attacks, self-harm concerns, suicidal ideation, and other crisis situations. Conduct or assist with suicide risk assessments and follow district protocols for student safety. Conflict Resolution and Peer Mediation Support students in resolving peer conflict, friendship issues, cyberbullying concerns, and social challenges. Help students develop empathy, healthy boundaries, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. Classroom Guidance Lessons Deliver preventative classroom lessons on topics such as anti-bullying, digital citizenship, study skills, executive functioning, responsible decision-making, substance abuse prevention, and social-emotional learning. Transition Support Assist students with key school transitions, including helping incoming 5th/6th grade students adjust to middle school expectations and supporting 8th grade students as they prepare for the academic, social, and emotional transition to high school. Parent and Family Consultation Meet with parents and guardians to discuss student academic, behavioral, social, or emotional concerns. Connect families with appropriate school-based and community resources, including outside counseling providers, food assistance, and other support services. Teacher Collaboration Collaborate with teachers to better understand and support student needs. Provide strategies related to classroom management, student behavior, social-emotional concerns, and academic engagement. Multidisciplinary Team Participation Serve as a member of school-based teams, including student support teams, 504 teams, and PPT/IEP teams as appropriate. Contribute to the development and implementation of student support plans, accommodations, and interventions. Mandated Reporting Recognize and report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Connecticut mandated reporting requirements and district procedures. Additional Responsibilities Maintain accurate and confidential student records. Communicate effectively with administrators, teachers, families, and outside providers when appropriate. Support school-wide initiatives related to student wellness, school climate, and positive behavior. Follow all district policies, procedures, and legal requirements related to confidentiality, student safety, mandated reporting, 504 plans, IEPs, and crisis response. Perform other related duties as assigned by the building principal or appropriate administrator. Qualifications Appropriate Connecticut certification as a School Counselor, or eligibility for certification, preferred. Experience working with middle school students strongly preferred. Knowledge of adolescent development, social-emotional learning, crisis response, and school-based counseling practices. Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Experience participating in 504, IEP, or multidisciplinary student support teams preferred. Equal Opportunity Employer The Easton Public School District is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
