What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Support Specialist position at Buffalo String Works?
About
Buffalo String Works’ mission is to ignite community and youth leadership through inclusive music education. We provide rigorous music instruction and a creative home for refugee, immigrant, and historically marginalized youth. We recognize the significance of music as a universal language, and by lifting the voices of our students and parents, we cultivate youth to be agents of social change. Our vision is: Neighborhoods United by Empowered Young Musicians.
Summary
The Student Support Specialist supports overall student wellbeing and oversees all non-musical enrichment activities for Buffalo String Works. They will respond to the day-to-day emotional needs of students, link students to appropriate services, and curate meaningful programming that supports the social, emotional, and educational needs of students. Other tasks may also be expected as assigned.
Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $24.04 (approximately $50,000 annually). BSW offers a generous benefits package, including health insurance with employer contribution, a 401(k) matching program, paid leave, and more. The role requires a regular on-site presence, with some flexibility for remote work.
Responsibilities
Provide emotional support to students
- Provide non-clinical support to students during daily programming
- Teach students basic grounding techniques to promote emotional regulation
Serve as a community navigator for students
- Create and maintain a preferred youth provider network
- Link students to providers, as needed, in collaboration with the Outreach and Engagement Manager as the parent liaison
- Work collaboratively with referral partners to reduce barriers and respond most appropriately to referred students
Plan and execute enrichment programming
- Support the student council/advisory board
- Identify student-engagement opportunities
- Plan at least one community-wide activity each semester
- Plan alternative programming week every year during the spring semester
- Act as the primary contact for all non-musical program partners (mental health, workforce development, college readiness, etc)
Work with the Executive Director to define and evaluate the Student Support Program structure
- Assist in the development and implementation of new policies; including confidentiality policies, mandated reporting policies, etc.
- Facilitate surveys and collect data to evaluate and improve service delivery, as well as meet grant reporting requirements
Other administrative tasks may also be expected as assigned
Eligibility & Qualifications
The strongest candidates will bring the following:
- A undergraduate or masters degree in social work, mental health, or related field (required)
- Prior experience working with K-12 youth
- Prior experience working with refugee, immigrant, or other marginalized communities
- Knowledge of local community resources and referral processes
- Commitment to access and inclusion
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, flexible team environment
- Attention to detail and strong organizational habits; you can keep multiple projects on track at once and enjoy making sure things run smoothly
- Ability to problem solve and devise solutions, even with incomplete information
To Apply
Send your resume and a cover letter via email to info@buffalostringworks.org with Student Support Specialist in the subject line. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000