Student Support Specialist

Position Goal:

The Student Support Specialist works with students, families, school staff, and community partners to remove barriers that impact student learning, attendance, well-being, and school success. This role helps connect students and families to school and community resources, coordinates support services, and promotes positive relationships to ensure students are fully able to access and succeed in their education and strengthen their overall education experience.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community agencies.
• Knowledge of student support systems, intervention strategies, and community resources.
• Ability to problem-solve, manage confidential information, and respond to student needs with professionalism and empathy.
• Commitment to supporting student success and reducing barriers to learning.

Certification:   

• Professional license from the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board and/or
• OSBOE Pupil Services Licensure - Social Worker     
• Masters Degree in social work, counseling, or human services from an accredited University      
• Related experience with students and families
  • Valid Ohio Driver's License
  • Satisfactory BCI/FBI criminal background check

Terms of Employment: 

184 day Contract.  Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Reports to and Evaluation:

Reports to Student Services Director with one cumulative, written evaluation per year

Professional Responsibilities:

1. Student and Family Support

• Build positive relationships with students and families to support academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success.
• Identify barriers to learning, attendance, engagement, or school participation.
• Assist students and families in accessing school and community resources, including mental health, healthcare, housing, food, transportation, and social services.
• Support students and families through problem-solving, advocacy, and connection to appropriate interventions.
• Participate in crisis response, prevention, and intervention efforts when needed.
• Promote family engagement and encourage active participation in the student's educational experience.

2. Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, counselors, intervention teams, and community agencies to support student success.
• Facilitate communication between home, school, and community partners.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement support plans for students.
• Assist staff and families in understanding factors that may affect student learning, behavior, attendance, and well-being.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and service providers.

3. Case Management and Coordination

• Conduct student and family needs assessments using appropriate tools, observations, interviews, and data.
• Develop and monitor intervention plans that address identified student needs.
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up services for students and families.
• Monitor the effectiveness of supports and adjust interventions as needed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines.

4. Program Support and School Improvement

• Support school-wide initiatives that improve student engagement, attendance, wellness, safety, and academic achievement.
• Assist with planning and implementing prevention and intervention programs.
• Contribute to school improvement efforts by identifying trends, gaps in services, and student support needs.
• Provide training, consultation, or informational resources for staff and families related to student support services.
• Help create a positive, inclusive, and supportive school climate.

5. Advocacy and Professional Responsibilities

• Advocate for equitable access to educational opportunities and support services for all students.
• Maintain current knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices related to student services, confidentiality, child welfare, mental health, and educational rights.
• Adhere to professional ethics and district policies.
• Manage workload, documentation, and responsibilities effectively.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned by district administration.
• Serve as district Homeless and Foster Care Liaison