Job title - Floating Support Specialist

Reports to -Principal

Status - Full-time (7:30-4 pm)

Position Summary: The Floating Support Specialist is a dynamic, adaptable, and high-impact role designed to provide instructional, behavioral, and administrative support across multiple classrooms, grade levels, and school settings.

Unlike a traditional classroom assistant assigned to one room, the "Floating" specialist pivots daily (or hourly) to wherever the need is greatest—covering sudden staff absences, assisting with high-needs students, managing transitions, or providing targeted small-group intervention. This role requires exceptional flexibility, strong behavior management skills, and a passion for supporting diverse student needs.

Responsibilities

1. Instructional & Classroom Support

• Adaptable Co-Teaching: Step into various classrooms (K-12 or specific grade bands) to assist the lead teacher with lesson implementation, activities, and classroom management.
• Small-Group Intervention: Lead Tier 2 or Tier 3 academic interventions in reading, math, or writing using pre-established curricula.
• Differentiated Support: Assist students with diverse learning styles, including English Language Learners (ELL) and students with IEPs or 504 plans, ensuring accommodations are met.

2. Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• De-escalation & Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate, trauma-informed behavioral support to students experiencing emotional or behavioral dysregulation.
• Restorative Practices: Help students navigate conflicts, reflect on behaviors, and successfully reintegrate into the classroom environment.

3. Operational & Transition Coverage

• Rapid Response Coverage: Provide short-term coverage for teachers during IEP meetings, professional development, or sudden emergencies.
• Management: Supervise and facilitate smooth transitions during high-energy times, including morning arrival, recess, lunch, and afternoon dismissal.
• School-Wide Utility: Assist with school-wide events, testing administration, or administrative tasks including but not limited to front desk cover and classroom substitute teaching.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School Diploma or GED equivalent (Associate's Degree or 60 college credits preferred).
• Certification: Ability to obtain state-required paraprofessional, substitute teaching, or educational aide certification.

Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years working with children in an educational, childcare, or mental health setting (experience with special education or behavioral challenges is a major plus).