Long-Term Substitute Elementary Counselor

Location: Timber Ridge Elementary

Assignment Length: February 16 - March 30, 2026

Days & Hours: Monday - Friday 7:50 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Pay Rate: $165 per day for days 1-10, $185 per day for days 11-20, $235 per day for days 21 and beyond

Position Criteria:

• Valid Iowa Teaching license required
• Master’s degree and Iowa license with Professional School Counselor K-8 endorsement perferred
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Student-centered philosophy
• Strong communication skills - verbal & written

Performance Responsibilities

Personal Performance Criteria

• Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with school personnel and students
• Contributes to creating a positive work environment
• Demonstrates integrity and respects confidentiality
• Works independently and with confidence
• Demonstrates ability to grasp and adjust to new and changing situations
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to work without close supervision

Professional Performance Criteria

Personal Qualifications

• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations and works cooperatively with students, parents and staff
• Project a positive image as an educator in the school and in the community
• Demonstrates an understanding and acceptance of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, special needs and religious groups
• Uses discretion in handling confidential information and situations
• Actively supports expectations of student behavior outside of the classroom during the school day
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and manages stress in a constructive manner

Guidance/Counseling Process

• Demonstrates the ability to help students make appropriate educational plans/life choices.
• Maintains and uses sources of information to guide students.
• Displays ability to help students see options, implications, consequences, and set goals.
• Knows and uses suitable resource materials, procedures, and models.
• Utilizes a variety of counseling skills, activities, and resources in meeting the needs of students.
• Demonstrates good interpersonal skills (relationship with students, staff, administration, and parents).
• Uses time effectively.
• Practices good listening skills (non-judgmental, empathic, understanding).

Responsive Services/System Support

• Expresses concern for students regardless of cultural, academic, intellectual, emotional needs.
• Demonstrates understanding and acceptance of differences among individuals and groups, (i.e., racial, ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, religious and handicaps.)
• Displays nonsexist/multicultural attitudes.
• Provides constructive strategies to students.
• Demonstrates sensitivity in communicating and working with staff.
• Works courteously and cooperatively with school personnel.
• Keeps administration informed of pertinent situations.
• Communicates with and informs parents concerning guidance and counseling services.
• Cooperates with parents in the best interest of students.             
• Demonstrates professionalism.
• Maintains positive student/counselor rapport through understanding an acceptance of individual worth of student.
• Treats students in a manner which reflects an awareness of their developmental and emotional characteristics.
• Displays empathy and understanding when counseling students.
• Maintains professional confidentiality.
• Provides availability to meet with students, staff, and parents.

Professional Responsibilities

• Remains informed on building and district policies and works cooperatively toward their implementation
• Provides requested data in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintains a professional appearance appropriate to job responsibilities

Salary : $165 - $235