Elementary School Counselor - Leave of Absence

WAYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

JOB POSTING

Position: Elementary School Counselor, Leave of Absence (One Year)

Position Summary: Wayland Public Schools is seeking a dedicated, skilled, and caring Long-Term Substitute Elementary School Counselor to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year. This role is ideal for a counselor who is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive school counseling services, collaborate closely with educators and families, support students’ social-emotional development, and contribute to a positive school culture that promotes student well-being and success.

Duties and Responsibilities (Not limited to): 

• Provide individual and small-group counseling services to support students’ social, emotional, behavioral, and academic development
• Implement and deliver developmentally appropriate classroom guidance lessons aligned with district and school counseling goals
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to identify and address student needs and develop appropriate interventions
• Support students during periods of transition, crisis, conflict resolution, and social-emotional challenges
• Participate as a member of school-based support teams and contribute to the development and implementation of student support plans
• Consult with families regarding student concerns and provide referrals to community resources as appropriate
• Utilize data and assessment information to inform counseling services and monitor student progress
• Support the implementation of Wayfinder, our district SEL curriculum, and promote a positive school climate through proactive social-emotional learning initiatives
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines
• Participate in school and district initiatives, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative planning
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or related field required

• Experience: Previous experience working with elementary-aged students is highly preferred

• Cultural Competency: Experience with diverse populations and a strong commitment to Wayland’s goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Counseling Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, and evidence-based counseling practices that support student success and well-being

Professionalism: Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, along with the personal characteristics necessary to serve as a positive role model and advocate for students.

Education and Experience: 

• Advanced Degree: Master's degree in School Counseling, Counseling Psychology, or related field required
• DESE Licensure: Massachusetts DESE School Counselor license required (PreK–8 preferred)

Work Schedule and Compensation: 

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and in accordance with the Wayland Educators’ Association (WEA) Unit A Salary Scale Example: Master’s through Master’s 30 range $95,754 -$126,651
• Work Schedule: Full-time, one-year leave of absence position for the 2026–2027 School Year; school-year schedule in alignment with the WEA Unit A contract

Wayland Public Schools (WPS) provides a desirable benefits package for full-time employees which include: health, employer sponsored Health Savings Account, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b), Dependent Care Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, and participation in retirement pension boards.

WPS is an equal opportunity employer committed to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and of their labors and will take action to ensure that any individual within the District who is responsible for hiring and/or personnel supervision understands that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, ancestry, military status, disability or pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability. WPS is proudly a member district of the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity in Education dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive and equitable educational community. WPS encourages candidates of all backgrounds and seeks applicants who prioritize and value diversity, equity, and belonging.

Salary : $95,754 - $126,651