Student Support Specialist

THE MILL SCHOOL Job Description Student Support Specialist Position Summary The Student Support Specialist provides relationship-based supports to students with academic and behavioral challenges in an alternative school setting. This role focuses on helping students access instruction and build skills for success through coordinated in-class and out-of-class interventions, collaboration with instructional staff, and participation in planning processes to develop and implement individualized supports. Key Responsibilities • Provide in-class instructional and behavioral supports to increase engagement, time on task, and access to grade-level (or appropriately modified) content. • Provide out-of-class support as needed (e.g., check-ins/check-outs, organization coaching, planned breaks, de-escalation and problem-solving support, restorative re-entry), aligned to student plans and school procedures. • Collaborate with teachers to co-teach lessons and small groups, reinforce expectations, and deliver targeted skill-building (academic, executive functioning, self-regulation, and social skills). • Support differentiation by helping adapt materials, tasks, and assessments; scaffold assignments; and use multiple modalities (visuals, modeling, chunking, guided practice) to meet varied learner needs. • Participate in student support/IEP/behavior planning meetings and contribute observations and data to inform decision-making. • Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring individualized supports (e.g., academic intervention plans, behavior support plans, accommodation plans), including progress notes and communication with the team as assigned. • Use proactive, strengths-based approaches to prevent escalation, teach expectations and coping strategies, and help students practice replacement behaviors. • Coordinate with related services and support staff (e.g., counselors, social workers, school psychologists) to promote consistent strategies across settings. • Maintain confidentiality and follow all school, district, and legal requirements related to student records and mandated reporting. • Contribute to a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed learning environment by building positive relationships with students and families/guardians. Required Qualifications • A WELL-DEVELOPED SENSE OF HUMOR • A bachelor’s degree in education, human services, psychology, social work, or a related field. • Experience supporting students with academic needs and/or behavioral, social-emotional, and self-regulation challenges (school, youth program, or related setting). • Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and multidisciplinary teams, including participation in planning meetings and follow-through on agreed supports. • Strong communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to document interventions and share relevant observations with the team. • Ability to maintain student confidentiality and follow professional and ethical standards. • Ability to respond calmly and safely in high-stress situations and use de-escalation strategies consistent with school training. Preferred Qualifications • A WELL-DEVELOPED SENSE OF HUMOR • Training or experience with alternative education settings and/or restorative, trauma-informed, or positive behavior support approaches. • Experience co-teaching or supporting instruction in small-group and individualized formats. • Familiarity with IEPs, accommodations/modifications, and data-based progress monitoring. • Crisis prevention and intervention training Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • A WELL-DEVELOPED SENSE OF HUMOR • Ability to build trusting relationships with students while maintaining clear, consistent boundaries and expectations. • Skill in supporting differentiated instruction (scaffolding, chunking, modeling, guided practice, alternative response formats). • Ability to use proactive strategies and teach replacement skills (self-regulation, coping strategies, problem-solving). • Ability to collect and share basic data/observations (e.g., work completion, engagement indicators, antecedent-behavior-consequence notes) to support individualized planning. • Strong organization and follow-through in a fast-paced environment with changing student needs. • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice. Work Environment and Physical Demands Work is performed primarily in classrooms and student support spaces within a therapeutic school setting. The role requires frequent standing and walking, active supervision, and the ability to support students during periods of dysregulation using approved, nonphysical de-escalation methods and school safety procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000