Student Support Specialist (August 2026)

Permanent Position Beginning August 2026

The Upper Darby School District is seeking applicants for Student Support Specialist Positions.

Qualifications:

1. PA Instructional Certificate - Must have a School Social Worker PK-12, Elementary & Secondary School Counselor PK-12, or School Psychologist PK-12 certification Out-of-state educators and anyone seeking an emergency certificate should review the guidelines set by the PA Department of Education. Pennsylvania Certification information is available at:
2. BA and Master's degree required in appropriate major study
3. Knowledge of content in the certification area
4. Classroom/group management skills
5. Ability to use instructional materials and equipment
6. Knowledge of child growth and development
7. Instructional skills
8. Planning Skills
9. Human Relations Skills
10. Strong communication and motivational skills.
11. Ability to effectively communicate with, instruct, and work with students, staff and parents.

Job Goal:

To provide counseling, individual and group, consultation with parents and staff, and specific programs thus enabling each student to meet their educational goals.

Major Function :

1. Ensure that all students document their absences with a note and a phone call.
2. Write appropriate notes (excused, unexcused, truant) for students returning to school after absence or coming to school late.
3. Keep the attendance list accurate.
4. Contact parents of students when students are absent for unknown reasons.
5. Document truancies.
6. Revise attendance list when notes or phone calls are received.
7. Collect all referrals for violations of Level 1 and 2 offenses of the Middle School Code of Character.
8. Develop and maintain an accounting system of detentions owed and served for the whole class.
9. Assist security staff and administration in maintaining order in all areas on campus.
10. Document violation of the Code of Character via the Middle School Computer Record System.
11. Help maintain order in the center.
12. Professionally develop staff in the areas of Restorative Practices, Trauma, Equity and Youth Courts.
13. Professionally develop teachers on classroom management and classroom regulation plans.
14. Escalating Tier 1 and Tier II Code of Character violations in the student information system.
15. Aid the Staff Assistant for Activities when requested by the Assistant Principal.

Our Mission:

It is the mission of the Upper Darby School District to provide a comprehensive educational program that develops all learners into critical thinkers, with effective communication skills, empowering them to adapt to an ever-changing world. Our students will demonstrate integrity and confidence while cultivating a learner's mindset in pursuit of personal excellence and service to others.

Our Belief Statements:

• Upper Darby School District's academic programs are based on the following beliefs:

We believe:

• All individuals are capable of learning.
• Individuals learn in different ways and at different rates.
• Individuals have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
• Students are unique individuals with varied talents and skills.
• Successful learning experiences build self-esteem.
• Learning is most effective in a caring environment where high standards of social interaction are maintained.
• Education should encourage individuals to acquire knowledge and attitudes necessary to live in a changing global society.
• Critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making are essential life skills.
• Updates in technology necessitate continuous personal and organizational adjustment.
• Professional development of all staff is vital to meet the changing needs of students and to reflect current best practices.
• The educational program must meet the needs of all learners and be responsive to the needs and resources of the community.
• Cultural and ethnic diversity is a valued strength of our community.
• Society benefits when individual rights are balanced with the needs of the group as a whole.
• Quality public education directly benefits the entire community.
• Lifelong learning is essential for all individuals.
• Education is the responsibility of the entire community, the school, the family, and, most importantly, the individual.

The Upper Darby School District is an equal opportunity education institution and does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, union membership, or any other legally protected category. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state law, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and with federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.