Student Support Specialist

Vida Charter School invites you to apply to serve in our unique Dual Language program. Joining the Vida team means becoming a member of our dynamic community, one which our staff describe as warm and welcoming. Vida offers our teachers and staff opportunities to grow and develop professionally, both inside and outside our school, as we continue to learn and implement innovative methods for teaching while celebrating the diversity of each student in a bilingual and multicultural setting.

Founded in 2009, Vida is a brick-and-mortar public elementary school serving children in grades K-6 in a 50/50 English/Spanish bilingual model. As a public school of choice, Vida enrolls any child whose families share our commitment to developing students biliteracy, bilingualism, and sociocultural competence, with a current enrollment of approximately 240 children.

Benefits and Compensation

Benefits for full-time employees include medical, vision and dental insurance, Health Reimbursement Account, paid time off, 403(b), and tuition reimbursement. Vida Charter School benefits and compensation are outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and/or applicable school policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of successful experience as an educator, counselor, or in a related student support role
• Associates Degree in social work, counseling, or education-related field (preferred)
• Bilingual/Biliterate in English and Spanish (strongly preferred)

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal skills to support student success in a dual-language environment
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities, with an approach that is culturally responsive and sustaining
• Understanding of student development theories, trauma-informed practices, and restorative approaches to discipline
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues to foster a welcoming and inclusive school climate
• Knowledge of school policies, legal guidelines, and best practices related to student behavior and support services
• Experience implementing behavior management strategies and supporting positive student conduct
• Proven ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in crisis situations

Essential Job Functions:

Student Support & School Culture

• Support the holistic development of students by addressing non-academic factors that impact success, including behavior, social-emotional needs, and attendance
• Foster a positive, inclusive school climate that honors bilingualism, multiculturalism, and equity
• Serve as a member of the schools Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program, ensuring culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate strategies
• Promote restorative justice and relationship-building approaches to discipline, emphasizing student growth and accountability

Behavior & Discipline

• Enforce school policies, investigate student conduct concerns, and administer appropriate interventions and consequences
• Communicate to families and educators when there is a disciplinary incident
• Work closely with students, families, educators, the school counselor, and outside agencies to resolve conflicts, mediate peer disputes, and ensure fair and supportive discipline practices
• Maintain accurate records of disciplinary actions and student support interventions
• Provide documentation and recommendations for disciplinary actions, recognizing that final decisions on suspensions or expulsions rest with the administration

Participate in Student Support Structures

• Participate in the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
• Attend Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Meetings if invited
• Serve as a member of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) team to coordinate school and community resources for students and families
• Support attendance initiatives, including overseeing Student Attendance Improvement Conferences and interventions for chronically absent students
• Assist in coordinating services for students experiencing homelessness, ensuring access to resources and educational stability

Crisis & Safety Management

• Support in the maintenance of a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for all students
• Participates in the Charter Schools emergency response. Supports in implementing crisis intervention plans, and provides social-emotional support to students in distress
• Support school safety initiatives, including compliance with PA Act 44 School Safety, Act 18 Threat Assessment, Trauma-Informed practices, Safe Schools, and Safe2Say programs

Community Engagement

• Fosters community and school spirit and celebrates student achievements. Participates in the planning of assemblies, School Choice Week, and Spirit Weeks
• Actively collaborate with staff, families, and community partners to strengthen student engagement and success
• Promote the mission of the dual-language program by supporting bilingualism, biliteracy, and cultural competence in all aspects of student life
• Perform other duties as assigned

Salary/Compensation: $33,100 - $43,500 per year

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