26-27 Long Term Substitute - College and Career Counselor (8/27/26 - 12/23/26)

This is a temporary position, 8/27/26-12/23/26 Position Summary The College & Career Counselor works in collaboration with the Director of College & Career Readiness and the Somerville High School Counseling Department to support students in postsecondary planning and career readiness. The counselor assists in the continuous evaluation, development, and implementation of a comprehensive and proactive college and career counseling program that supports equitable access to postsecondary opportunities for all students at Somerville High School. The College & Career Counselor supports students and families through the college application, financial aid, scholarship, career exploration, and workforce development processes while fostering a student-centered, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment. Essential Functions & Responsibilities The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the positionManage a caseload of students in support of postsecondary planning and career readinessConduct individual meetings with students and families regarding college and career planningGuide students in developing balanced and appropriate college listsCommunicate with students, families, school counselors, and teachers regarding the college and career planning process as neededReview college applications, essays, resumes, and supporting application materialsMonitor and remind students regarding timely submission of applications, financial aid materials, and scholarship opportunitiesSupport students in the scholarship application processProvide workforce development coaching, including resume review and interview preparationSupport students in understanding and selecting career training and workforce development programsProvide college, career, and postsecondary information aligned with students' aspirations, interests, and abilitiesCollaborate closely with the School Counseling Department and college and career readiness staffMaintain accurate and detailed records of student interactions and postsecondary planning activitiesTrack, analyze, and report on data related to student success indicators, including FAFSA/MASFA completion, college visits, and counseling participationManage student applications and supporting documentation through Naviance and other college and career readiness platformsArrange, coordinate, and chaperone college tour field trips and related activitiesPlan and facilitate postsecondary workshops and presentations for students in classroom and group settingsPlan and facilitate postsecondary informational events and workshops for familiesSupport successful student transition to postsecondary education and first-year college experiencesParticipate in professional development to remain current with college and career counseling practices and trendsParticipate in ongoing meetings with supervisors to ensure counseling practices remain aligned with current legal, ethical, and professional standards established by NACAC, ACA, and ASCAPerform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the core responsibilities of the position QualificationsAppropriate Department of Elementary and Secondary Educator's license in the field or subject for this positionDESE SEI endorsement RequiredExperience in college counseling, particularly with low-income and first-generation college students, preferredExperience supporting postsecondary planning and workforce readiness initiatives preferredBilingual Educator Preferred Knowledge, Abilities, & SkillsKnowledge of college admissions, financial aid, scholarship, and career readiness processesUnderstanding of postsecondary planning strategies and student support practicesAbility to use student data and outcome measures to inform decision-making and program improvementStrong organizational skills and attention to detailStrong time management and multitasking skillsStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, staff, colleges, and community partnersAbility to support and engage students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgroundsAbility to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive student information appropriatelyProficiency with educational technology systems, student information systems, and college planning platforms such as NavianceAbility to facilitate workshops, presentations, and family engagement eventsCommitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered counseling practices Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, and navigating stairs.Lifting/Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects ranging from 10 to 30 lbs (e.g., books, supplies, equipment).Physical Dexterity: Bending, crouching, kneeling, stooping, and reaching to assist students.Stationary Tasks: Remaining in a stationary position (sitting/standing) for long periods. Reporting RelationshipsPosition Reports to: The School Principal and Director of College and Career Readiness Terms of EmploymentPosition Type: Full TimeFLSA Classification: ExemptUnion Status: SEU, Unit ASalary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee. Pre-Employment Requirements MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance Fingerprints The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.