Student Support Specialist- MS/HS

Student Support Specialist – Middle/High School

Reports To: Principal or Assistant Principal
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

To learn more about Harwood Unified Union School District and our schools, visit https://huusd.org/our-schools

Position Objective

Support high school students in developing prosocial behaviors, self-regulation, and social-emotional skills by implementing individualized behavioral interventions, positive supports, and restorative practices. Contribute to a safe, structured, and productive learning environment in classrooms, social support areas, and structured study settings.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Instruction

• Work individually or in small groups with students to develop social skills, anger management, stress reduction, self-concept, and other behavioral competencies.
• Assist in designing and implementing instruction in prosocial and healthy behaviors.
• Support classroom teachers in integrating students back into the classroom after removal or behavioral incidents.
• Assist in evaluating student progress, monitoring behavior, and identifying student needs.
• Conduct task analysis, data collection, and classroom observations to guide interventions.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring student behavioral management/modification plans.
• Compile and organize instructional materials for students removed from classrooms.
• Assist with interventions to prevent or respond to negative or explosive behaviors using non-aversive restraint techniques in accordance with established protocols.

Supervision & Safety

• Supervise students in a variety of settings including planning rooms, social support areas, structured study halls, and other school spaces as assigned.
• Ensure students follow school expectations and routines, providing redirection and guidance as needed.
• Participate in and supervise school community activities to promote positive student engagement.

Professional Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with classroom teachers, case managers, and other relevant staff to support student behavior and learning.
• Communicate with parents regarding behavioral concerns, progress, and interventions as necessary.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in behavioral interventions, reality therapy, social thinking, PBIS, conflict resolution, and restorative justice practices.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate documentation of student behavior, interventions, and progress.
• Process routine communications related to student management, including reports and logs.
• Attend team meetings to review student progress, plans, and intervention strategies.

Supervision

Receives direction and guidance from the Principal or Assistant Principal. Works independently with students while following established protocols and school policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No formal supervisory responsibilities. May assist or mentor junior staff, volunteers, or peers as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in education, counseling, mental health, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience working with at-risk youth in an educational setting preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of reality therapy, social thinking, PBIS, conflict resolution, and restorative justice practices.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons or interventions that promote social-emotional learning and address at-risk behaviors.

Language Skills

• Ability to read, interpret, and apply policy and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to present information effectively to supervisors, staff, students, and parents.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to respond flexibly to changing routines and directives.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with students, staff, parents, and outside organizations.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and efficient in stressful situations.

Computer Skills & Experience

• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheets, and data collection software.

Physical Effort & Working Conditions

Frequent: standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, reaching with hands/arms, using hands for tasks.

Occasional: stooping, kneeling, crouching, restraining, lifting, carrying, or assisting students; driving.

Vision: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

Environment: occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions; noise levels typically moderate.

Stress: managing student behaviors and safety concerns may be emotionally demanding.

The Student Support Specialist – High School plays a key role in fostering social-emotional growth, promoting positive student behaviors, and maintaining a safe, structured learning environment across classrooms and school support areas.