Substitute Elementary School Counselor (Long-Term Substitute)

Substitute Elementary School Counselor (Long-Term Substitute) Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement and support Character Education lessons and activities.
• Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and professionalism when working with students.
• Provide short-term social, emotional, and academic counseling support to students.
• Meet with individual students or small groups as directed by administration.
• Communicate consistently and effectively with students, parents, teachers, and staff.
• Support teachers and administration in addressing student needs and promoting positive behavior.
• Assist with K–5 Character assemblies, service-learning projects, and other scheduled student programs.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to PRA policies and procedures.
• Document student interactions and referrals as appropriate.
• Attend and participate in RtI, PST, IEP, and 504 meetings when requested.
• Follow established communication pathways and school counseling protocols.
• Collaborate with teachers, specialists, and administrators to ensure seamless student support in the counselor’s absence.
• Complete other related duties as assigned by the school principal.

• Master’s degree required.
• Current Colorado Special Services Provider License – School Counselor preferred (Social Worker licensure also accepted).
• Previous experience providing counseling or social-emotional support in a school setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students of varied backgrounds, learning styles, and needs.
• Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to PRA’s Character Education and Positive Behavior System.
  
  

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills with students, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to show empathy, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Adaptable and able to transition smoothly into existing systems and routines.
• Collaborative mindset and the ability to build rapport quickly.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Proficient in technology tools and documentation systems related to student counseling and support.
  
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may occasionally be performed outside with exposure to varying temperatures.
• This position includes contact with students, staff, administrators, parents, and the Prospect Ridge Academy Board of Directors.
• Work hours may vary depending on school needs and may occasionally be extended.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
  
  

Reporting Relationship

• This position reports to the Elementary School Principal(s).
• Direct Reports: None.
  
  

• Prospect Ridge Academy offers a comprehensive total compensation package for employees working 0.75 FTE or greater, including:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Multiple plan options designed to support you and your family’s health and wellness.
• Flexible Spending Accounts – Options for health care and dependent care expenses.
• Life & Disability Coverage – Employer-paid life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement – Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement plan with both employee and employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off – Paid Annual Leave (PAL) beginning on your first day of work, plus 11–15 paid holidays per year (depending on contract length).
• Mental Health & Well-being – Access to confidential resources and support for mental and emotional wellness.
• Employees working less than 0.75 FTE are eligible for PERA retirement contributions and paid holidays.