Elementary Student Support Specialist for 2025-26

Purpose:                      The Student Support Specialist will serve as a student advocate so that students attain a level of personal and social adjustment that facilitates achievement of their academic goals.  They work closely with school staff and administration, families and community agencies to provide a successful educational experience for each student.
                                 
Responsible to:           Building Principal and Director of Special Education
 
Payment rate:              As Established by the Emporia Board of Education
                                                         
Qualifications:

1. Appropriate Kansas certification/licensure for School Counselor, School Social Worker, or School Psychologist.
2. Health and Inoculation Certificate on file in the Central Office.

Essential Functions: 

1. Serve as a student advocate.
2. Assist in the determination of an appropriate action plan for improving student learning.
3. Assist in determining obstacles to student learning by providing insight into the social, emotional, physical, and educational status of students and families.
4. Facilitate the elimination of obstacles to student learning
5. Demonstrate knowledge and skills regarding social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of students and families.
6. Assist in establishing a positive learning environment.
7. Respond to the social and emotional needs of students.
8. Ensure that all activities conform to local, state, and federal guidelines, rules and regulations.
9. Respond to change productively and perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

1. Requires prolonged sitting or standing.
2. Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials.
3. Occasionally requires stooping, bending, and reaching.
4. Must work indoors and outdoors year-round.
5. Frequently requires extended hours.

General Responsibilities:

1. Support and facilitate the mission and vision of the Emporia Public Schools.
2. Assist in facilitating the Student Improvement Team process as assigned.
3. Help eliminate student attendance problems.
4. Assist teachers in the development, implementation, data collection, and analysis of appropriate classroom strategies, accommodations and modifications.
5. Assist in referral and identification of students with special needs.
6. Personally contact parents of students identified to be in need.  Gather sufficient knowledge of the home and community resources available to that student.
7. Participate as a team member in the comprehensive evaluation, review, and re-evaluation process of students identified for special education.
8. Assist with the development of student intervention plans, such as IEPs, Section 504 Plans, and ELL outcome plans.
9. Provide guidance and/or counseling to students and support to families.
10. Serve as a primary communicator between parents and educators and other agencies in appropriate settings.
11. Consult with administrators and staff concerning social and cultural issues affecting student achievement.
12. Maintain appropriate, confidential records and provide timely reports as needed.
13. Be knowledgeable of new practices or information which could impro0ve student achievement.
14. Perform other duties as may be assigned by an administrator.
15. Provide for effective programs and processes to support the general welfare of students with regard to school and school activities.
16. Stay abreast of new technologies to facilitate and support student learning, data management, and communication.
17. Prepare and submit documentation / reports as required by the superintendent and Board of Education; and state and federal guidelines.
18. Comply with legal and regulatory requirements as provided by state and federal law.
19. Uphold and enforce board policy, administrative procedures, and school rules/regulations including but not limited to:
    • Acceptable use of technology
    • Sexual and racial harassment
    • Child abuse reporting
    • Health and safety including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
20. Communicate effectively with administrators, parents, staff, and community organizations with regard to district operations.
21. Interact with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner demonstrating tolerance of individual differences, patience, and sensitivity.
22. Demonstrate professionalism through appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance; accurate recordkeeping and timely submission of required reports; participate in building/district level committee tasks.
23. Respect the confidentiality of records and information regarding students, parents, and teachers in accordance with accepted professional ethics, and state and federal laws.
24. Act as a liaison to community resources as appropriate to the effective operation of the district.
25. Maintain safe and well-organized instructional spaces.
26. Be prepared to implement the Building Crisis Plan; actively participate in response drills.
27. Respond to change in a productive manner.
28. Strive to communicate the positive aspects of our school program to the public in word and deed.
29. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.