Student Support Specialist

Student Support Specialist (26 - 27 SY)

The Community Charter School of Paterson is seeking a Student Support Specialist. The Student Support Specialist is a dynamic role for an Instructor specializing in Special Education and English as a Second Language (ESL). The Student Support Specialist will implement a rigorous, engaging, individualized instructional program and classroom environment conducive to learning at the highest levels; this role involves collaborating with teachers, parents, and other support staff to ensure that students' individual learning needs are met, while fostering a culture of inclusion and academic excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Instructional Responsibilities

• Teaches CCSP curriculum using textbooks, and resources adopted by the Board of Trustees.
• Instruct students to master the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
• Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each student with the support and guidance of the school leadership.
• Uses a variety of instruction strategies, such as inquiry, group discussion, lecture, discovery, etc.
• Translates lesson plans into learning experiences to maximize instructional time.
• Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior aligned with CCSP-established norms as needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
• Identifies student needs and cooperates with other staff members in assessing and helping students and parents develop solutions to academic and non-academic challenges that may impact student achievement.
• Participates cooperatively in Professional Learning Communities with faculty, coaches, and school leadership.
• Evaluates students’ academic and social/emotional growth, maintain appropriate records, utilize student assessment data, and prepare progress reports and report cards.
• Performs other duties as assigned by CCSP leadership.

2. Support Services

• Creates an effective learning environment for specialized programs. 
• Collaborates with SPED Coordinator to establish behavioral and social-emotional intervention strategies for students with and without IEPs.
• Communicates with parents through conferences, approved social media venues, phone calls, and other means to discuss students’ progress and interpret the school program.
• Promote ongoing professional growth in best practices for special education and English Language Learners.
• Maintains professional competence through school-based professional development and independent learning activities; actively participates in all CCSP-required professional development.
• Attends and participates in meetings as deemed necessary and consistent with the needs of CCSP.

3. Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and current records of all evaluations and psychological services provided, in compliance with FERPA, IDEA, and NJDOE regulations.
• Coordinate with the Special Education Coordinator on all documentation requirements and submission deadlines.

Qualifications:

• Valid New Jersey Teaching Certificate (Standard, Provisional, CEAS, or CE, P-3 or K-6 AND Special Education Endorsement (TSOD), TEFL Certification Required
• Bachelor's degree from a competitive college or university
• GPA must meet minimum requirements for NJ DOE certification
• Demonstrated mastery of content knowledge and ability to drive student growth
• Evidence of NJ Department of Education certification (CE/CEAS/Provisional/Standard) or out of state certification

Employee benefits, including health benefits and PTO benefits are a valuable part of the total compensation package at CCSP. The CCSP benefits package is subject to the terms outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for members that are subject to the CBA. The benefits package for staff members that are not subject to the terms of the CBA is at the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees.

Community Charter School of Paterson is among the top 1% in the state for student growth in math and reading—proof of our commitment to academic excellence.

Community Charter School of Paterson is an equal-opportunity employer.