Student Support Specialist

Department: Programming Reports To: Director, Program Operations Job Title: Student Support Specialist Status: Full Time/Exempt/11 months Summary The Student Support Specialist is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and management of Communities In Schools (CIS) operations at the assigned site, implementing the CIS model of integrated student supports in compliance with CIS National accreditation standards. This role works directly with students, families, school administrators, staff, and community partners to improve attendance, academics, and behavior—connecting school content to real-world experiences, fostering positive character development, and building intrinsic motivation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Build and lead a school‑based support team that collaborates with school administrators, faculty, volunteers, and community partners to implement the CIS model. Lead the annual needs assessment process using school and district data, surveys, and stakeholder input to identify school‑wide and individual student needs. Develop and implement an annual site support plan with measurable objectives and procedures for delivering school‑wide (Tier I), targeted (Tier II), and intensive, individualized (Tier III) services. Coordinate the delivery of evidence‑based services aligned with Academic, Behavior, Coursework/College/Career, and Parent Engagement (ABC3 + P) focus areas. Monitor and adjust services regularly to maximize effectiveness and student impact. Identify, support, and monitor students at moderate to high risk of dropping out, providing targeted interventions to address attendance, academic, and behavioral needs. Provide academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional support to students through individual and group interventions, enrichment opportunities, and life skills development. Work with parents/guardians to strengthen home‑school connections, support academic success, and assist with career planning and post‑secondary preparation. Remove academic barriers by coordinating access to health, dental, vision, and other critical resources. Conduct regular assessments and evaluate program outcomes to measure impact. Maintain accurate and timely student records in the CIS Student Information System (CISDM). Prepare annual end‑of‑year reports for school and affiliate leadership, contributing to local, state, and national reporting requirements. Maintain strong, positive relationships with school personnel, families, and community partners. Participate in site team meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and other events to support student engagement and program effectiveness. Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and serve as a positive role model for youth. Qualifications Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant equivalent experience in education, social work, or a related field. Skills: Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom, and other virtual meeting platforms. Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal and people skills. Ability to analyze and interpret professional journals, technical manuals, and governmental regulations. Ability to write and edit reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to present information and respond to questions from managers, school leaders, clients, and the public, both orally and in writing. Ability to speak effectively to guests, candidates, or employees one‑on‑one or in a group setting. Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, use hands, reach, talk or hear; occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel or bend; must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; requires close and distance vision. Reasonable accommodation may be made. Work Environment: Located within the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality required. Must meet all process deadlines and deliverables. May perform other duties as assigned. Criminal background check, pre‑employment drug test, and (if applicable) financial credit check and driving record check required. Equal employment opportunity statement: The organization is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ascend Nonprofit Solutions