What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Support Specialist position at Sacred Hearts Academy?
Job Summary:
Under the High School Principal's general direction, the Student Support Specialist leads the development and implementation of a mission-aligned, tiered student support system at Sacred Hearts Academy. This role integrates academic intervention, student support coordination, and educational assessment within the framework of an independent all-girl Catholic school.
The Student Support Specialist collaborates with faculty, families, outside providers, and, when applicable, the Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE), to support students with diverse learning profiles. This position provides professional development and support to faculty, drafts school-based Accommodation Support Plans, and coordinates the implementation of accommodations consistent with private school guidelines, but does not determine IDEA eligibility or provide FAPE services.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in School Psychology, Special Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or related field.
- Valid Hawai‘i licensure (where applicable).
- 3 years of experience in educational assessment, academic intervention, or student services coordination.
- Experience interpreting psychoeducational evaluations and implementing academic accommodations.
- Knowledge of MTSS, UDL, and data-driven instructional practices.
- Intermediate proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work outside normal business hours, if necessary.
- Must be able to understand, read/ write in English to follow basic instructions, and take direction from supervisors and clients.
- Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with Virtus/Safe Environment policy.
- Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
- Ability to implement faith-based curriculum consistent with the Academy’s Catholic mission.
Desired Qualifications:
- 5 Years experience in educational assessment, academic intervention, or student services coordination.
- Doctoral degree in School Psychology or related field.
- Experience in independent or Catholic schools.
- Experience building or leading a tiered learning support program.
- Strong knowledge of college-preparatory curriculum and instructional methodologies.
- Experience providing professional development to faculty.
- Experience in coordinating with HIDOE regarding student support services.
Other Qualifications:
- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds in multi-aged environments.
- Experience to demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills; strong organization skills; handling multiple tasks and projects; and good judgment.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills with the ability to effectively train others.
- Demonstrated ability to protect and maintain confidential information.
- A successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilizes excellent time and stress management skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Development & Leadership (20%)
- Design and oversee SHA’s tiered system of learning support (Tier 1–3).
- Develop and manage Academic and Behavior Support Plans.
- Establish policies and procedures aligned with private school legal frameworks.
- Monitor student growth data (STAR, PSAT, internal benchmarks).
- Collaborate with administration on long-term program development.
Student Assessment & Intervention (20%)
- Conduct academic, behavioral, and cognitive screenings within the scope of licensure.
- Interpret psychoeducational evaluations provided by families.
- Provide written internal summaries to guide instructional planning.
- Provide or coordinate targeted academic interventions.
- Monitor and document student progress.
- Conduct classroom observations and interviews to gather background information
Student Services Coordination (20%)
- Serve as liaison between families and outside providers.
- Coordinate service participation in collaboration with HIDOE when applicable.
- Facilitate student support meetings.
- Guide families through evaluation and referral processes.
Faculty Collaboration & Professional Development (15%)
- Provide professional development on accommodations and inclusive instructional practices.
- Support faculty in implementing accommodations and differentiation.
- Consult on classroom strategies to increase access to learning.
Compliance & Documentation (15%)
- Maintain confidential student records in accordance with FERPA and school policy.
- Ensure services align with private school guidelines.
- Communicate clearly to families regarding the scope of support.
- Performs other related duties as assigned (10%)
- Serves as community relations liaison for the company.
- Actively participates as an effective member of the team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments, or reassignments.
Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.