Scholar Support Specialist

Scholar Support Specialist

FWPS believes that meeting the needs of the whole child is of paramount importance and believes that addressing the social emotional needs of our scholars is an essential means to reaching that goal. The scholar support specialist supports the establishment of SEL systems of support tied to our MTSS framework while building staff capacity in providing these SEL. The scholar support specialist will work in direct collaboration with district behavior specialists, district SEL facilitators, building administrators, and building PBIS teams. The function of this position is to ensure the development of systems district-wide while working directly with buildings to provide additional individual student supports. Additionally, this role will support capacity building amongst district staff around key SEL topics such as: conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed practices, and restorative practices by developing and implementing professional development system-wide.

Essential duties and responsibilities include establishing and nurturing an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district. Collaborate with district MTSS team to develop systems and structures that support tiered SEL interventions across district including assessments, intervention identification, implementation, and analysis of effectiveness. Collaborate with district departments to develop and implement staff professional development that builds staff capacity in SEL including: conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices. Collaborate with district behavior specialists, building PBIS teams and building administrators to support implementation of SEL MTSS framework for interventions. Provide professional development for school site staff around SEL strategies of support. Provide direct, individualized coaching to support buildings and teachers in developing their own social-emotional capacity as well as implementing best practices to promote SEL particularly in the areas of: conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, restorative practices, trauma-informed practices. Collaborate with behavior specialists, building administrators, and building PBIS teams around the development and implementation of specific site professional development. Assist site staff with identification of students who need additional SEL supports (Tier II/Tier III). Provide monthly resources around conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, restorative practices, and trauma-informed practices for staff to support implementation of strategies. Support the implementation of SEL curriculum, identified interventions, and other SEL best practices at individual school sites. Research outside SEL resources to support development and implementation of SEL programming and intervention. Provide direct individual, small group supports as needed including supporting Functional Behavioral Analysis (FBAs), the creation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and supporting student threat assessments. Observe and coach teachers on the fidelity of implementation of tiered social emotional and behavioral supports for scholars. Teach demonstration lessons for SEL supports and interventions. Attend site SST and PBIS Team meetings as needed with behavior specialists. Collaborate with building administrative teams and PBIS teams to assess and further develop implementation of SEL and restorative practices by monitoring data, observing implementation of SEL supports, and providing feedback. Disseminate data to internal departments as needed for progress monitoring of program implementation. Identify best practices for SEL data management. Stay current on best practices for SEL instruction, intervention, and progress monitoring. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field and minimum of three years demonstrated classroom or clinical experience. Additional qualifications include Washington State Teacher's Certificate or Washington State Educational Staff Associate Certificate (or ability to obtain one). Knowledge of and experience with MTSS structures and framework. Experience designing and implementing professional development. Experience with SEL supports. Experience in conducting FBAs, BIPS, threat assessments. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Demonstrated skill in coaching, advising, and partnering with leadership representatives across the organization. Ability to be a trusted advisor while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality. Demonstrated skill in effective oral and written communication. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to take initiative and be a self-starter, multi-faceted thinking. Demonstrated team player with experience working within a culturally diverse workplace.

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in a related field. Special Education, Counseling, or Social Work certification. Experience in providing training for adult learners.