Substitute 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.

• Daily Rate: $200.00 per day .
• Benefits Note: This is a daily substitute/temporary position and does not include district-paid medical benefits or retirement contributions.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Primary Support: School Social Workers, Building Grade-Level Counselors, & Assistant Principals

• 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 Status: This is a temporary, non-benefited position paid on a flat daily rate.

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.

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.

Ready to provide compassionate guidance and support scholar success on a flexible schedule?

Apply online to join our substitute counseling team today!