Student Support Specialist

Student Support Specialist - Elementary

Position Title: Student Support Specialist - Elementary

Reports To: Building Principal

Salary: $65,000

Terms: Full time, non-union 10-month position with fringe benefits

Primary Purpose: The Student Support Specialist supports the academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional success of students identified as at-risk under Michigan Section 31a requirements. The Specialist collaborates with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to remove barriers to learning, improve student engagement, and increase student success through evidence-based interventions and support systems.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Student Support and Intervention: Identify and provide support to students exhibiting academic, behavioral, attendance, social-emotional, or engagement concerns. Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention plans for at-risk students. Conduct student problem-solving meetings and assist in developing individualized supports. Facilitate restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and behavior intervention strategies. Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on data and student needs. Provide mentoring, coaching, and skill-building opportunities for students. Coordinate and facilitate attendance improvement initiatives and interventions.
• MTSS, PBIS, and Behavioral Support: Support implementation and continuous improvement of MTSS and PBIS frameworks. Collaborate with staff to establish positive learning environments and proactive behavioral supports. Assist teachers in implementing evidence-based classroom management and intervention practices. Provide training and coaching to staff regarding behavior supports, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation techniques, and student engagement strategies. Support fidelity of intervention implementation across tiers of support.
• Family and Community Engagement: Build positive partnerships with families to support student success. Facilitate communication among students, families, school staff, and community agencies. Connect students and families with available school and community resources, including mental health, health, nutritional, and social services. Participate in home visits, family conferences, and outreach efforts when appropriate.
• Data Collection and Program Evaluation: Collect, maintain, analyze, and report behavioral, attendance, and intervention data. Utilize student outcome data to inform intervention decisions and evaluate effectiveness. Maintain documentation required for Section 31a compliance and reporting. Assist administration in evaluating the effectiveness of student support programs and services.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Serve as an active member of school improvement, MTSS, PBIS, and student support teams. Collaborate with teachers, counselors, social workers, special education staff, and community partners to coordinate services. Support district initiatives related to student engagement, school climate, and academic achievement. Perform other duties as assigned that support the objectives of Section 31a programming and district goals.

Essential Competencies: The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to: Build meaningful, supportive relationships with students and families. Foster student engagement, resilience, and positive behavioral outcomes. Implement evidence-based interventions and supports for at-risk students. Utilize data to identify student needs, monitor progress, and inform decision-making. Collaborate effectively with educators, families, and community agencies. Support implementation of MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches. Communicate effectively through written and verbal communication. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions. Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail. Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and equity-focused practices. Serve as a positive role model for students and staff.

Professional Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Education, School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. Minimum of three years of successful experience working with students in a school or youth-serving setting. Demonstrated knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, behavior intervention practices, and student support systems. Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Proficiency with educational technology, data management systems, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and student information systems.