Job Information
Vancouver Public Schools Substitute Counselor in Vancouver, Washington
Effective 2023-24 school year
At will employment
Posting Period: Open roster
Full Day - 7 hours/Half Day - 4 hours
Fair Labor Standard Act Status: Non-exempt
We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.
Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.
All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.
Qualifications:
Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate school counselor certificate
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learnining; Master's degree preferred
Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives
Experience as a classroom teacher and/or mental health specialist, preferred
Experience working effectively with diverse groups of teachers, students, and parents
Experience conducting large-group presentations and both small group and individual counseling sessions
Experience developing schedules and maintaining data (as related to counseling services)
Strong understanding (through coursework/experience) of issues relating to poverty, gang affiliation, and substance abuse
Preferred specific training in drug and alcohol intervention, anger management strategies, peer mediation, peer helper and character education programs
Ability to work effectively with community agencies and organizations to obtain support and resources
Preferred specific training in developing positive relationships and conflict resolution
Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning, and instructional tool
Essential Functions:
Work to build relationships and establish trust (with students, parents and staff) by maintaining a visible presence within the school
Work directly with parents and teachers to help students develop a positive self-concept, enhance open communication, and create a positive school climate in which students can learn
Work directly with all students, parents, and teachers to provide a comprehensive "student needs based" counseling program (American School Counselors Association Model)
Participate in professional meetings relating to his/her area of expertise (Professional Group, building’s screening team, CAST, etc.)
Work directly with student and staff in all levels of behavior support including planning and crisis intervention
Work directly within the student information system to develop and manage both school and individual student schedules
Make class presentations of guidance curriculum
Work directly with students to help them learn how to manage, organize information and make decisions
Work as the primary case manager for Section 504 evaluations and plans which include managing student and data files and engaging in ongoing communication with other staff, as is necessary, to ensure 504 compliance
Work as the primary case manager for building Student Review teams
Provides crisis intervention and guidance services in all school settings including classroom, playground, field trips, etc. May include monitoring students who have run away from supervised areas of the school building and school grounds
Must be able to physically restrain/maintain a student to ensure the safety of other students
Participate in individual behavioral planning, documentation and intervention, as needed (behavior plans, manifestation determinations, threat assessment, and crisis intervention)
Work directly with students to assist them in developing effective coping skills necessary to refuse participation in gang affiliation/activity and substance abuse
Uses student disputes and misbehaviors as opportunities to authentically engage students in developing and practicing anger management strategies and problem-solving skills
Maintain necessary data for purposes of analyzing student progress and program effectiveness
Actively engages studetns in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities
Work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse
Works in a flexible and cooperative manner
Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times
Serves as a positive role model for students, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students
Maintains regular and punctual attendance and hours of operation as set by the assigned building/location and the Comprehensive Professional Agreement to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements
Supervision of Students
Other duties as assigned
SOC Code: 211012
Benefits/Compensation:
Regular Rate: $27.00 (hourly), Enhanced Rate: $29.85 (hourly) (Must work 25 full days in a semester and will receive the enhanced rate the following semester).
Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here (https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees) .
Time Off: Includes sick leave accrual of 1 hour per 40 hours worked.
Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.