School Counselor (Grades 9-12) - LONG TERM SUB

School Counselor - LONG TERM SUB Westford Academy Long term sub needed from 08/25/2026 - 10/29/2026

• Long term sub assignments are paid in accordance with our Substitute Handbook.

Overview: School counselors have an impact on the lives of high school students by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, families and the community to create a safe and respectful environment where students can learn and succeed in all aspects of their life. Counselors promote academic, career and social/emotional development so students can realize their full potential and become productive and contributing members of society. Westford Academy's counseling department includes 7 school counselors and 2 school adjustment counselors. The counselors are compassionate and care about the overall well-being of their students. The counseling department provides a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate counseling curriculum. Counselors help students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills and plan for postsecondary options. Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Desire and ability to work with students at the specified age level with diverse backgrounds and levels of ability toward accomplishing their educational goals
• Empathy and sensitivity to others'' needs
• The ability to be highly organized yet also flexible and adaptable
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Be able to recognize when and what type of intervention is needed
• A growth mindset
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, school administrators and other staff, including the ability to discuss topics which may be sensitive
• Creativity, enthusiasm and dedication

School Counselor Job Responsibilities:

• Delivers a school counseling curriculum to students, assessing student abilities, interests and achievement to help them make decisions about their future
• Provides brief counseling to address social and emotional concerns and appropriately refers students to health specialists
• Recognize and respond to student mental health needs and to assist students and families seeking resources
• Share strategies supporting student achievement and success with parents/caregivers, teachers, other educators and community organizations
• Lead, advocate and collaborate to promote equity and access for all students
• Academic advising and post-secondary planning
• Orientation, coordination and academic advising for new students
• Interpreting student records
• Advocating for students at individual education plan meetings and other student-focused meetings
• Makes an effort to know every student for whom they are responsible
• Provides individual student planning and responsive services to support students and their families regarding academic matters.
• Offers workshops/seminars for parents/caregivers
• If hired, this counselor may also be responsible for the co-planning and implementation of the advisory program, curriculum development, scholarship coordinator, etc.
• High school experience preferred

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Master's degree in School Counseling and Massachusetts School Counselor Licensure are required.
• Fulfill continuing education requirements
• Uphold ASCA ethical and professional standards

Contact Information:

Lauren Clark, Director of School Counseling 30 Patten Road Westford, Massachusetts 01886 978-692-5570