Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist

Start Date: 2026-27 School Year

Location: Columbia Heights Middle Academy

Reports to: Principal

FLSA Status: Exempt

Updated: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist provides direct therapeutic and counseling-related support services to students receiving special education services whose social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs impact educational access, participation, and progress. Services are delivered as part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are designed to support emotional regulation, coping skills, social-emotional functioning, self-advocacy, and access to instruction within the school setting.

This role focuses on proactive, therapeutic intervention through individual support, therapeutic small groups, and collaboration with educational teams. The position is distinct from traditional school social work roles and is primarily responsible for delivering IEP-related therapeutic services and monitoring student progress toward counseling and social-emotional goals.

The Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist works collaboratively with special education teachers, related service providers, families, administrators, and school support staff to help students successfully access and participate in their educational program in the least restrictive environment.

ABOUT PRODEO

Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement . Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Direct Therapeutic Services

• Provide direct therapeutic and counseling-related support services to students receiving special education services.
• Deliver services aligned to student IEP goals, accommodations, and related service minutes.
• Support students in developing:
  • emotional regulation skills
  • coping strategies
  • self-advocacy skills
  • executive functioning skills
  • problem-solving strategies
  • social-emotional competencies
  • behavioral replacement skills
• Utilize evidence-based and developmentally appropriate therapeutic practices within the school setting.
• Support students whose emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs impact educational functioning and school participation.

Therapeutic Small Groups

• Plan and facilitate therapeutic small-group interventions based on student needs and IEP goals.
• Develop and implement groups focused on areas such as:
  • social skills
  • emotional regulation
  • anxiety management
  • coping strategies
  • executive functioning
  • peer relationships
  • self-awareness and self-advocacy
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on student response and data.

Special Education & IEP Responsibilities

• Participate as a related service provider within the special education process.
• Attend IEP meetings and contribute to present levels, goal development, service recommendations, and progress updates.
• Develop and monitor counseling-related and social-emotional IEP goals.
• Maintain documentation of service delivery and student progress in accordance with district and special education requirements.
• Collaborate with special education case managers and related service providers to ensure coordinated support for students.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers and educational teams to support implementation of student accommodations, regulation supports, and therapeutic strategies within the classroom setting.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding:
  • emotional regulation supports
  • coping strategies
  • trauma-informed practices
  • social-emotional skill development
  • student engagement and participation
• Collaborate with families to support consistency between school-based therapeutic interventions and student needs.
• Work collaboratively with school psychologists, social workers, special education staff, and administrators to support student success.

Progress Monitoring & Documentation

• Collect and maintain data related to student progress toward IEP goals and therapeutic interventions
• Maintain accurate service logs and documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements
• Monitor effectiveness of interventions and make recommendations for adjustments as appropriate
• Support teams in identifying barriers impacting student access, participation, and progress in the educational environment

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required licensure: Licensed or eligible for licensure in Minnesota in one or more of the following areas:
  • School Social Work
  • School Counseling
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
  • or other qualifying mental health or counseling-related licensure
• Experience providing counseling, therapeutic intervention, or social-emotional support services to children or adolescents.
• Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and mental health interventions within educational settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary educational teams.
• Significant experience in child welfare, education or juvenile justice system (5 or more years) required.
• Experience with youth and/or family-based services preferred.
• Experience working within special education settings.
• Knowledge of IDEA and special education related services.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups.
• Experience supporting students with ASD, EBD, anxiety, trauma-related needs, or significant emotional/behavioral needs.
• Experience implementing trauma-informed and relationship-centered practices within schools.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively and relate comfortably with parents, children and youth with special needs and their families, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated skill in accurate and timely documentation for social work practice.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize community resources, including multicultural resources. 
• Ability to build individual relationships and facilitate group interaction.
• Excellent public relations skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse individuals, and demonstrate cultural competency.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to mediate, manage conflict and perform successful negotiations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Anu Family Services staff and other key stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and cognitive skills in analysis, assessment, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
• High level of computer competency in Windows environment required, and familiarity with search engines and search technology preferred.
• Valid Driver's License, auto insurance, reliable transportation and ability to travel.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.
• Strong collaboration and team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.
• Data-driven approach to instruction and decision-making.
• Able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Cultural responsiveness and sensitivity.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Professionalism, reliability, and strong ethical judgment.
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students and families.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand and move throughout the classroom for extended periods.
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to support students physically as needed, including bending, kneeling, or assisting with mobility.
• Ability to participate in crisis intervention or student safety procedures when necessary.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.
• Exposure to students with varying academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of student support.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks.
• The role may require travel between classrooms, buildings, or occasional off-site events.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, educational background, and academic outcomes. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.
• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Prodeo Academy is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not be denied unless they present an undue hardship to the organization.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Prodeo Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Prodeo Academy is committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.