SY 2026- 2027 | Student Support Specialist - Ward School

Student Support Specialist With Restorative Practices Focus

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to fill the role of Student Support Specialist with a strong emphasis on implementing restorative practices. This position involves working closely with students who are serving in-school suspensions, fostering a positive and supportive environment, and facilitating restorative processes to address conflicts and behavioral issues. The ideal candidate will be committed to creating a restorative culture within the school and promoting a sense of responsibility, accountability, and understanding among students.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social work, or a related field (master's degree preferred). Experience working with diverse student populations and implementing restorative practices is required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with knowledge of behavioral management strategies and restorative justice principles. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately is also necessary.

The contract will normally be written for 180 days per fiscal year. Actual work hours will be discussed with their supervisor, but will be a minimum of 7 hours and 30 minutes each workday, 7:30am to 3:30pm. There will be occasions when the workday may be longer to accommodate the needs of the family.

This position reports to the assigned Special Education Administrator.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervision and Monitoring
• Oversee the restorative education room, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for learning and reflection
• Monitor student behavior and progress, documenting observations and incidents as necessary
• Implement strategies to prevent and de-escalate conflicts within the restorative education room
• Restorative Practices Implementation
• Develop, implement, and evaluate restorative practices within the school environment
• Facilitate restorative circles, conferences, and other restorative processes to address conflicts and foster positive relationships
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to integrate restorative approaches into the broader school community
• Individualized Support
• Provide individualized support and guidance to students in the restorative education room
• Identify underlying issues contributing to behavior and work collaboratively with students to develop action plans for improvement
• Encourage self-reflection and personal responsibility among students
• Communication and Collaboration
• Keep detailed and accurate records of student behavior, interventions, and progress
• Prepare reports on in-school suspension trends, effectiveness of restorative practices, and recommendations for improvement
• Documentation and Reporting
• Keep detailed and accurate records of student behavior, interventions, and progress
• Prepare reports on in-school suspension trends, effectiveness of restorative practices, and recommendations for improvement
• Professional Development
• Stay current on restorative practices research and training opportunities
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge related to behavioral management and restorative approaches

Other requirements include passing a pre-employment physical examination, ability to speak, hear, see, and write, holding and maintaining a valid Illinois Driver's License with access to reliable transportation, passing an employment background check as required by IL School Code, strong work habits and ethics, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with families, school staff, and community.