Learning Support Specialist (PK-4)

Learning Support Specialist (PK-4)

Holy Family Catholic School is seeking a Learning Support Specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. The Learning Support Specialist fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the faculty and administration to provide academic support for students, both directly and indirectly. The Learning Support Specialist reports to the principal and has decision-making responsibilities within the framework of school policies, philosophy, organization, and curriculum in consultation with the principal.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential job functions:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Provides support to parents who are seeking information and support for their child who requires additional academic assistance
• Plans effectively with teachers, students, and parents to create strategies that promote a greater chance of academic success
• Provides support to students related to time management, lack of motivation, academic deficiencies, and issues with goal setting
• Supports teachers in identifying student learning preferences for more effective studying
• Provides support to students, primarily in PK-4th grade, to ensure they are placed in an appropriate learning environment and through limited direct services that reinforce classroom curriculum
• Coordinates the referral process for outside evaluation of students with possible learning differences; attends all ARD and service plan meetings and acts as liaison with Round Rock ISD and private diagnosticians
• Schedules at minimum an annual meeting with a support team for each student with an accommodation plan
• Coordinates quarterly updates regarding student progress for all students with accommodation plans that will be sent to families
• Coordinates readiness and benchmark testing and assists with standardized test interpretation for teachers, students, and parents
• Maintains current and accurate records, including student accommodations, according to school policies
• Is knowledgeable about all students with identified individual needs
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff

Important job functions:

• Possesses excellent teaching skills and the ability to intervene when children fall behind their peers academically
• Exhibits outstanding organization and time management skills for managing a large workload
• Displays highly effective communication skills geared to various age groups
• Possesses the ability to make decisions based on factual evidence and observation
• Continues personal growth through association membership in professional organizations

Minimum qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Education from an accredited university; Special Education degree preferred

Experience:

• Three years teaching experience preferred

Certifications and Training:

• Must meet the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCED
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration
• Must complete Missionary Discipleship for Catholic Schools (Level 1) within two years of the date of hire.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal's ministry and obligations to the school.
• The school is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification:

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin. Texas is an "at-will" employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.