Student Success Specialist, 200 days

Job Description 

POSITION: Student Success Specialist  

SUPERVISOR: Director of Elementary Instruction in close consultation with the Director of Secondary Instruction 

FLSA STATUS: Exempt 

EMPLOYMENT TERM: Minimum 200 days annually, pursuant to WV Code §18-5-45; extended employment terms may be established by the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBOE) 

SALARY: Pursuant to WV Code §18A-4-2, in accordance with Jefferson County Schools Professional Salary Schedule, commensurate with experience and education level 

EVALUATION: Performance in this position will be evaluated by the Director of Elementary Instruction in accordance with WV State Code §18A-2-12, WV State Board Policy 5310, and JCBOE Evaluation Policy. 

JOB SUMMARY: The Student Success Specialist serves as a collaborative student-centered instructional leader focused on improving academic outcomes, opportunity, and engagement for all students. The role integrates instructional improvement with student support systems to ensure high-quality instruction and targeted interventions. The Student Success Specialist plays a crucial role in planning, implementing, and monitoring Title I and Title III initiatives supporting students experiencing poverty, English learners, and other marginalized populations. Working closely with administrators, educators, students, and families, the specialist advances evidenced-based practices that promote access, belonging, and measurable gains in student achievement.  

MAJOR POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Collaborates with principals, teachers, staff, students, and other stakeholders to strengthen systems of school improvement and student support. 

• Supports effective implementation of West Viriginia Tiered System of Support (WVTSS).  

• Assists with documentation and monitoring of federal, state, and district programs. 

• Promotes family engagement strategies for Title I and Title III school-based initiatives. 

• Analyses student achievement and behavior data to identify trends and inform interventions.  

• Supports restorative practices, evidence-based interventions, and curriculum development. 

• Facilitates continuous improvement cycles to advance student outcomes. 

• Provides direct support to individual students and small groups, including check-ins, mentoring, and relationship development.? 

• Supports students experiencing stress, trauma, chronic absenteeism, or disengagement. 

• Assists?students with transitions between grade levels, schools, or programs. 

• Serves as a trusted point of contact for families to address academic and other concerns. 

• Maintains accurate records and analyzes data on effectiveness of practices and protocols. 

• Designs and delivers high-quality job-embedded and other professional learning. 

• Advocates for the potential of all learners while respecting strict confidentiality. 

• Maintains professionalism and positively communicates the mission of Jefferson County Schools and the Department of Instruction. 

• Performs other responsibilities as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field required with minimum of three (3) years of successful, relevant experience working with students in an educational, school based, or youth serving environment. Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate; Meet the qualifications outlined in WV Code §18A-3-2a. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated ability in customer care, student services, and conflict resolution. Resonant understanding of West Virginia Tiered System of Support (WVTSS). Working knowledge of federal programs and initiatives, including Title I and Title III. Facility with evidence-based best practices promoting student success and development. Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups and individuals amidst ambiguity. 

• Knowledge of policies and processes affecting student support and wellbeing, including WV State Board Policy 2520.19 with regard to Standards for Student Success and Policy 4373 Expected Behaviors in Safe and Supportive Schools as well as JCBOE policies. 

• Ability to apply theoretical and research-based knowledge to professional practice. 

• Strong organizational and communication skills employing tact, patience and courtesy.  

• Demonstrated productive problem-solving, negotiating, and coaching skills. 

• Passion and resolve for the critical role of student success, support, and services to improve the lives of all learners. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field preferred. 

• Certificates and licensure as recommended within professional field preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting student academic achievement, behavior, attendance, or social emotional development.  

• Experience collaborating with educators, administrators, families, or community partners. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computers and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 30 pounds of materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as reading handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff members. 

The Student Success Specialist position requires sustained intellectual engagement, sound professional judgment, and the ability to analyze and interpret student data, policies, and program requirements. The employee must effectively problem-solve, set priorities, exercise initiative, and adapt to changing needs and circumstances within a complex educational environment. The role requires focused attention, discretion, and the consistent application of confidentiality. Emotional resilience, empathy, and the ability to respond calmly, thoughtfully, and professionally to students experiencing stress, trauma, or disengagement are essential to successful performance in this position. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Most commonly, the educational setting is indoors. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate (20-60 dB). Exceptions include gymnasiums as well as vocational/technical laboratories where the noise levels may be moderate to loud (60-90 dB). 

The information contained in the job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position, and additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.