Student Services Specialist

Salary: $22.23 - $28.46 Hourly
Location : Throughout Poway Unified School District, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 25-0194
Site/Dept: District-wide
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Number of Working Months: 9.5


Description
***The Personnel Commission is accepting applications in order to establish an eligibility list for the position of Student Services Specialist. This list will be good for six months and will also be used to fill future vacancies within the district. ***

**Student Services Specialist positions serve MIDDLE and HIGH schools.
Selection Procedure

Applications will be screened, and those candidates whose backgrounds best match the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in a competitive examination process, which may include any combination of the following: Training & Experience evaluation (T&E), multiple-choice question test, job-related performance exercise, and technical/ oral appraisal interview. Examination procedures are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Director of the Personnel Commission.

Candidates who pass all of the examination processes are ranked on an eligibility list according to their score(s). Selection for the position will be made from among the top three (3) ranks of candidates. The eligibility list will be used for hiring purposes in other vacancies in the same or equivalent job classification and will be active for six (6) months (Merit Rule 50.100.1).
Current vacancies:

Oak Valley Middle School - 25 hours per week/ 9.5 months per year (benefits eligible)

Mt. Carmel High School - 28.5 hours per week/ 9.5 months per year (benefits eligible)
BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of a District Administrator, Principal, or Assistant Principal, perform a variety of paraprofessional duties related to the operation of a school student services center. Educate students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In collaboration with School Counselors, document, assist, and communicate with students regarding sensitive issues and concerns such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Facilitate and participate in support groups, advocacy projects, community service opportunities, and programs related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence education and/or prevention, intervention, and cessation activities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Student Services Specialist performs a variety of paraprofessional duties related to the operation of a Middle or High school student services center. The Student Services Assistant performs student support activities to enhance and reinforce behavioral and social skills to students enrolled in an assigned instructional assistance program.

Examples of Duties
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Operate the student service center in accordance with policies and directives, communicate with students regarding issues of a personal nature, and provide resources as necessary to respond to questions. Discern and refer issues of a serious nature to a certificated/licensed staff member.


Collect, organize, and maintain resource materials and information on topics including, but not limited to, vaping, alcohol, tobacco, violence and drug and alcohol abuse prevention, intervention and cessation programs.


Communicate with students and staff regarding resources, activities, and services offered in the site's Student Services Center and/or by the Student Services Specialist.

Act as a liaison between the school and outside community in order to connect families with appropriate resources and/or information.

Engage students in educational classes on vaping, tobacco, violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, conduct prevention, intervention, and cessation sessions for the previously mentioned topics.

Facilitate support groups on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, grief, relationships, divorce, eating disorders, and life skills. Additionally, conduct one-on-one student meetings and conflict mediation sessions.

Work with students referred by administration for vaping, alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse, social emotional, and/ or behavior issues.

Maintain confidentiality of information to be in compliance of meeting privacy requirements (FERPA).

Make educational/informational presentations to staff, parents, and the community on alcohol, tobacco, violence, drugs, mental health wellness, and social emotional awareness.

Participate in school activities (e.g. clubs, ASB functions, groups etc.) to promote a positive school-wide culture.

Attend professional development and District/site trainings, when requested.


Provide general guidance and nurturance to students.


Perform various clerical tasks in support of Student Services including the preparation and maintenance of records and files related to students and program schedules. Duplicate and assemble materials, prepare program correspondence and flyers, create social media posts, and perform related tasks.


Perform related duties as assigned by administrator such as PBIS, Restorative Circles, S-Cubed, crisis team, or threat assessment team within job classification.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Child development principles and practices.

Diversity, inclusion and equity practices.

Basic methods used in motivating, assisting and building resilience in students.

Student behavior and characteristics.

Research-based class lessons.

Small group instruction.

Community based resources and outreach programs.

Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.

Record-keeping and filing techniques.

Oral and written communication skills, including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

At-risk student behaviors.

Basic computer skills.

ABILITY TO:

Perform student support activities to enhance and reinforce behavioral and social skills to students. Assist students with tobacco abuse, substance abuse, bullying, low self-esteem, anger management, decision making, and other matters which prevent full educational potential.

Perform a variety of paraprofessional duties related to the operation of a school student services center.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and staff and community. .

Establish and maintain professional, cooperative, and effective working relationships with students and adults.

Follow oral and written directions.

Work independently with little direction.

Work confidentially with discretion; maintain confidentiality when working with student information.

Assemble, organize and prepare data for records and reports.

Answer telephones and greet the public courteously.

Understand and work within the scope of assigned duties.

Assess, understand and respond to the needs of students.

Prepare records and maintain reports.

Make oral presentations.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Plan and organize work.

Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Maintain working relationships with local agency service providers.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Completion of two years of college level training in counseling, psychology career or vocational education, or a related field and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting

Additional years of education or experience may be substituted to meet the minimum qualifications.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Complete Facilitator Training and Brief Intervention Training within one year of hire date.

Valid California driver's license.
Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

School environment.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Seeing to observe students.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.


Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally

HAZARDS:

Possible contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Poway Unified School District offers an excellent benefits package for eligible contract employees who are contracted for 20 (twenty) or more hours per week.

Benefits include:

• Retirement - CalPERS
• Holidays - 18 paid holidays per year (based on 12-month employment contract)
• Vacation - Starting at 12 days per year for 12-month employees, increasing with length of service
• Sick Leave - 12 paid sick days per year (for 12 working months)
• Medical and Prescription Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness/Mental Health Benefit
• Flexible Benefit Plan Options

For further information regarding our benefits, please visit our website at:
01


The following supplemental questions will help us determine how well you meet the minimum employment qualification standards for this position. Qualified means that you meet the minimum qualifications found in the job description. Incomplete responses may disqualify your application or reduce the credit given for your qualifications. Please respond accurately and truthfully to all questions. Providing information that is found to be false or misleading may lead to disqualification from the selection process or, in instances where employment has commenced, may result in immediate termination. Please note: (*) Answering "See Application" or "See Resume" on any of the following questions may result in your application being disqualified from further consideration in the recruitment process. (*) Your related work experience must be clearly shown in the areas for work history on your application. (*) The information provided in answering these questions will be considered in determining whether you will move to the next step and may be used as part of a technical and experience evaluation. (*) I acknowledge that I have read and understood the above statement. (Please initial in the space provided below).
02


What is your highest level of education?

• High School or General Education Development (GED)
• College coursework, but did not obtain a degree
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Graduate Degree (MS, MA, MBA, MPA, PhD, PsyD)

03


This position requires the completion of two years of college-level training in career or vocational education, counseling, psychology or a related field.Please list your college-level training and coursework that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. If you have no related college-level coursework answer "N/A" (Answering "See Resume", "See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
04


I understand that I must attach any relevant transcripts, degrees, or certifications included on my application in order to receive credit.I understand that transcripts, degrees, or certifications mentioned must be attached to my application for consideration. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.)Have you attached your transcripts or relevant documentation to your application?(Note: Coursework referenced in your application must be clearly shown in provided transcripts or documentation. Failure to do so may result in a reduction of credit applied.)

• Yes
• No

05


This position requires one year of paid or volunteer work experience involving close contact with students.Please describe your experience in this area. Please be sure that this experience is listed in the "work experience" section of your application. (Note: The information provided in answer to this question may be considered in determining whether you will move to the next step in the qualifying process.)(Answering "See Resume", "See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
06


Within an organized group setting, in a school or similar environment, what topics have you presented on and/or discussions have you facilitated for students or school aged young people.List "N/A" if not applicable.(Answering "See Resume", "See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
07


Please tell us about your experience with Prevention Programs such as alcohol, tobacco, drug, or violence prevention for students in a school environment or similar.List "N/A" if not applicable.(Answering "See Resume", "See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
08


Describe your experience in working with confidentiality and sensitive topics such as suicide, gender identity, or mental health crises in a school setting or similar environment with students or school aged young people.List "N/A" if not applicable.(Answering "See Resume", See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
09


Describe how you have applied relevant laws, rules, and regulations as it relates to a position that helps students regarding issues of a personal nature while providing resources in a school setting or similar environment.List "N/A" if not applicable.(Answering "See Resume", "See Application", or not providing a response may disqualify you from further consideration.)
Required Question