School Counselor (9-12) needed August 19th -December 1st, 2026 to cover a leave.
Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an
energetic, skilled, and warm School Counselor to join our team at the Needham High School
School. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks
candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.
Job Responsibilities:
The essential functions or duties listed below are
representative examples and may not be exhaustive. Other duties may be assigned.
Direct Service
Provides counseling in school for students in need of all levels of
emotional support (short-term and long-term), while maintaining appropriate
confidentiality. Provide academic and psot-secondary planning
Communicate and collaborate proactively with parents, administrators, teachers, support
staff, and other mental health providers as necessary regarding student social,
emotional, mental health, and educational needs.
Consult with staff including coaching and professional development on
social/emotional/behavioral needs and interventions with students.
Participate in several teams and programs to identify student needs and develop
appropriate intervention plans, such as Student Support Teams, Section 504, Special
Education, etc.
Develop and implement school-wide counseling initiatives and curriculum to build school
culture and support social-emotional well-being and learning.
Adhere to all ethical and professional standards, including those of a mandated reporter
Use technology and computer-based student information systems to create and manage
student records, schedules, attendance, applications, etc...
Manage Section 504 for students on counselor caseload.
Responsible for case management with collateral contacts and partnering with community
and state agencies.
Maintain professional competence by participating in staff development activities,
curriculum development meetings, and other professional opportunities.
Qualifications:
Master's Degree in School Counseling, or a related field
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license (must either hold or be
engaged in a process to earn) School Counselor DESE license
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates must have strong interpersonal skills and organization, possess strong
communication and writing skills, and be able to manage several responsibilities in a fast-
paced environment.
Commit to the creation and sustainability of an inclusive, equitable learning environment
for all students and faculty, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national
origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
Strong clinical skills
Experience working in a school setting.
Experience delivering special education services
Compensation:
Compensation for substitutes is based on the duration of the coverage: $22.40/hr - $43.23/hr
Reports To: Director of School Counseling and School Principal
The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.
Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.