Long Term Substitute School Counselor February 2026 - June 2026

Pentucket Regional School District

Secondary School Counselor

Job Description

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Secondary School Counselor

Job Overview:

As a High School Guidance Counselor, you will play a crucial role in supporting the academic, personal, social, and emotional development of high school students. Your primary responsibility will be to provide guidance and counseling services to students, assisting them in making informed decisions about their educational and career goals, as well as addressing any personal or interpersonal issues that may affect their well-being and academic success.

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or a related field.
• State licensure or certification as a school counselor.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, mental health issues, and counseling techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and school staff.
• Experience in counseling or education settings preferred.
• Commitment to professional ethics and confidentiality guidelines.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.) and fingerprint check.

Reports to: Building Principal

Work Year: School Year (184 days)

Salary/Benefits: Consistent with the negotiated educator salary schedule

Performance Responsibilities:

• Assist students in course selection, academic planning, and setting academic goals. Provide resources and support for students struggling academically.
• Help students explore career options, assess their interests, skills, and values, and develop career plans.
• Utilize the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) program to provide students with opportunities to plan for their academic, personal/social, and career success in school and beyond.
• Offer individual and group counseling to students dealing with personal issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, family problems, substance abuse, or peer conflicts.
• Guide students through the college application process, including researching colleges, writing application essays, preparing for standardized tests, and applying for financial aid and scholarships.
• Assist students in exploring post-secondary options, including college, vocational training, military service, or employment, and provide support in navigating the transition from high school to their chosen path.
• Respond to crises and emergencies involving students, providing immediate support and referrals to appropriate resources as needed.
• Work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support student success and address any concerns related to student well-being or academic progress.
• Advocate for students’ needs and rights within the school system, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and resources.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and workshops on topics such as study skills, time management, career exploration, mental health awareness, and college readiness.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student counseling sessions, assessments, and interventions in compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work in a normal classroom/office and school building environment.
• Ability to move freely about the building to perform duties with staff.
• Ability to utilize computers and other administrative technologies appropriate to the position.

The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Job Category: Educator, Full Year

Equal Opportunity Employer

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Pentucket Regional 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.