Substitute Counselor

Substitute Guidance Counselor Location: Assigned FFSD School Site (Elementary, Middle, or High School Placements Available) Status: Temporary / As-Needed Instructional Support | Non-Exempt (FLSA) Work Schedule: Per-Diem / Daily Substitute (Follows the student school-day calendar; daily hours determined by building placement) The Opportunity: Providing Continuous Care and Academic Direction In Ferguson-Florissant, our "New Chapter" prioritizes both the holistic well-being and academic achievement of our 10,000 scholars.

We are seeking empathetic, qualified, and student-centered Substitute Guidance Counselors to support our elementary, middle, and high school campuses on an as-needed daily or short-term basis. Depending on your daily placement, you might guide elementary scholars through social-emotional coping skills, assist middle schoolers with peer relationships, or support high school students with graduation pathways and post-secondary planning.

If you are a certified counselor or student services professional seeking a highly flexible, rewarding schedule with daily impact, your next chapter starts here. Salary & Compensation Daily Rate: $200.00 per day .

Benefits

This is a daily substitute/temporary position and does not include district-paid medical benefits or retirement contributions.

Role Summary

The Substitute Guidance Counselor provides temporary counseling, academic advising, crisis intervention, and student support services in the absence of the full-time counselor. Reporting directly to the Building Principal and working in coordination with school counseling teams, you will maintain a welcoming counseling office, support positive student behavior, and uphold all ethical and confidentiality standards across elementary or secondary settings.

Why You'll Succeed (Qualifications) Certified Specialist (Required): Must hold and maintain a valid, active Missouri School Counselor Certification (K-8, 7-12, or K-12) issued by DESE. (Candidates holding a Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or School Psychology eligible for temporary substitute credentials may also be considered).

Educationally Prepared: Master's degree in School Counseling, Guidance, or a closely related mental health/student support field. The Empathetic Listener: Exceptional human relations skills with a deep commitment to equity, student advocacy, and trauma-informed support strategies. Adaptable & Responsive: Ability to step into diverse school environments (elementary through high school) and establish immediate, positive rapport with scholars, families, and staff.

Ethical & Confidential: Strict adherence to professional counseling ethics, student privacy rights (FERPA), and mandatory reporting procedures. Your Impact (Key Duties) For Elementary & Middle School Placements: Social-Emotional Support: Facilitate short-term individual check-ins and small-group discussions around emotion regulation, friendship, conflict resolution, and self-esteem.

Classroom Guidance: Deliver age-appropriate character education or anti-bullying lessons as requested by building leadership. For High School Placements: Academic Advising: Assist students with course schedules, graduation credit checks, and college/career readiness questions during the full-time counselor's absence. Post-Secondary Assistance: Provide basic guidance regarding transcript requests, college applications, and vocational pathways.

Universal Responsibilities: Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate, calm support for students experiencing acute distress, utilizing building crisis protocols and escalation pathways when needed. Administrative & Staff Support: Collaborate briefly with teachers, social workers, and assistant principals to address student safety, attendance, or emotional concerns.

Documentation: Maintain brief, secure notes regarding student contacts and follow-ups to ensure a smooth transition upon the permanent counselor's return. Your Leadership Partners Primary Support: School Social Workers, Building Grade-Level Counselors, & Assistant Principals Administrative Evaluator: Building Principal The Logistics of Your Success Classification: Per-Diem Substitute Professional Staff.

Work Setting: Structured counseling office, quiet consultation room, or classroom environments across district school sites. Physical Readiness: Comfort sitting for individual consultation sessions, moving throughout school hallways, and engaging clearly with students of all age levels.

Benefits

This is a temporary, non-benefited position paid on a flat daily rate. The FFSD Advantage: Complete Daily Flexibility We don't just hire substitutes; we value the steady, caring professionals who keep our scholars grounded. Total Schedule Control: Work when you want, where you want. Select daily assignments that fit your lifestyle across elementary, middle, or high school campuses.

Competitive Daily Compensation: Earn a flat $200/day rate while applying your counseling expertise in a supportive environment. Focused Impact: Help students overcome daily hurdles and maintain academic momentum without the long-term administrative duties or committee work of a full-time contract. About Our District The Ferguson-Florissant School District is fiercely committed to the "New Chapter" of holistic scholar success.

We believe that emotional safety and academic success go hand-in-hand for our 10,000 scholars. Join our substitute team and serve as the reassuring presence that helps our students thrive every single day. Hiring Timeline Application Window: Continuous Recruitment Ready to provide compassionate guidance and support scholar success on a flexible schedule?

Apply online to join our substitute counseling team today!