Student Support Specialist

Position Summary The Student Support Specialist works to maximize student success by identifying and addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental barriers to learning. Acting as a bridge between the classroom, the home, and the community, this professional provides targeted interventions, crisis de‑escalation, and systemic support to foster a safe, inclusive, and trauma‑informed school climate. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide individualized, goal‑oriented support to students experiencing chronic behavioral challenges, trauma, emotional distress, or poor attendance. Facilitate evidence‑based small group interventions focused on social‑emotional learning (SEL), conflict resolution, anger management, coping skills, substance‑use prevention, and restorative practices. Respond immediately to behavioral crises, utilizing approved de‑escalation techniques to ensure student safety and a swift, respectful return to the learning environment. Conduct restorative circles or mediation sessions to resolve peer‑to‑peer or student‑to‑teacher conflicts. Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and the Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team to design, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Collect, analyze, and maintain accurate data regarding student behavior, attendance, and intervention outcomes to measure program effectiveness. Participate in 504 plan and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings when social‑emotional or behavioral accommodations are required. Serve as the primary liaison between families and the school, conducting home visits or virtual conferences to understand family dynamics and barriers to student attendance/success. Connect students and families with critical community resources, including mental health agencies, health care providers, food banks, and housing assistance. Organize and facilitate workshops for parents and guardians on topics such as positive youth development, digital safety, and supporting mental health at home. Consult with instructional staff to provide actionable classroom management strategies, trauma‑informed teaching practices, and tier‑1 SEL implementation support. Assist in developing and maintaining a positive, school‑wide culture rooted in restorative justice and equity. Deliver professional development sessions to school staff on topics related to student wellness, mental health awareness, and crisis intervention. Perform other related duties as assigned or requested. Key Competencies & Skills De‑escalation & Crisis Intervention: Proven ability to remain calm, empathetic, and authoritative during high‑stress behavioral emergencies. Trauma‑Informed Lens: Deep understanding of how childhood trauma, poverty, and systemic inequities impact brain development, behavior, and learning. Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional active listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust with defensive students, anxious parents, and stressed educators. Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and understanding of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Technical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Exceptional interpersonal skills with adults (staff and families) and students. Ability to communicate, interact, and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Education/Training/Experience Master's degree. Bilingual (preferred). English fluency will be determined through the interview process. Licenses or Certifications Currently hold a CDE license and endorsement in Counseling, Social Work, or School Psychology. Valid Colorado Driver's License required. Current First Aid and CPR (or obtained within the first six months of employment). General Expectations Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to change. Possesses computer and technology skills. Effectively works with students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Collaborates well with supervisors and co‑workers. Capable of understanding and following both complex oral and written instructions. Able to perform duties independently with minimal supervision. Communicates effectively with the School District community. Skilled in analysis, instruction, negotiation, coordination, communication, problem‑solving, and interpersonal interactions. Proficient in comparing, computing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. Meets attendance standards and works the necessary hours to fulfill essential responsibilities. Maintains confidentiality. Upholds a generally positive attitude. Complies with all District policies and procedures. Adheres to federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. Essential Physical Requirements Occasional jogging/running. Frequent lifting of ten (10) to twenty (20) pounds. Frequent sitting, bending, walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching. Ongoing employment is conditional upon successful clearance of an employer‑paid, job‑related, pre‑employment physical. Work Environment Mostly clean and comfortable. May encounter noise, odors or body fluids. Reports To Principal or designee. Location Englewood High School. Salary Salary ranges from $60,522 to $105,191, determined by education, years of experience, and the Negotiated Agreement. Compensation is prorated for appointments less than 1.0 FTE or less than a full school year. Benefits Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, health savings accounts, a retirement plan through PERA, and optional voluntary plans. Details are available in the District’s Benefit Guide. EEO and Equal Employment Opportunity Statement In compliance with Titles VI & VII 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, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and Colorado law, Englewood Schools does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, family composition, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination. For more details, see the District’s Titles IX policies and procedures. Complaints may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, the U.S. Department of Education, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission. #J-18808-Ljbffr Englewood Schools