Student Support Specialist

USD #252 SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY

JOB DESCRIPTION – Student Support Specialist

PURPOSE: The Student Support Specialist helps students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment.  In order to respond to the individual needs and abilities of students- the Student Support Specialist must work closely with the staff and administration- families and community agencies to provide a successful educational experience for each student. 

REPORTS TO:  Building Principal and/or Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Masters degree from an accredited college/university preferred.
2.   Appropriate Kansas certification/licensure for School Counselor- School Social Worker- or School Psychologist.
3. Desire to continue career improvement.

Essential Functions:

Knowledge- Skill and Abilities

1. Help students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment.   
2. Consult with parents- teachers- administrators- and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
3. Ensure that all activities conform to district and cooperative guidelines.
4. Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
5. Work effectively with community organizations.
6. Appropriately operate all equipment as required.
7. React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
8. Support the value of an education.
9. Support the philosophy and mission of the school district.
10. Comply with all district policies- rules and regulations.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serve as a student advocate. 
2. Respond to the social emotional needs of students. 
3. Provide individual counseling and group guidance to help students cope effectively with personal- social- academic- career and family concerns. 
4. Consult with parents- teachers- administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
5. Consult with students regarding their learning and behavioral support needs and counsel them as necessary.
6. Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies and services.
7. Consult with parents- teachers- administrators and others concerning the needs of students and special services that are available.
8. Assist teachers in the development and implementation of appropriate classroom behavior support strategies and social skills instruction.
9. Assist in determining obstacles to student learning by providing insight into social- emotional- physical- and education status of students and families.
10. Assist with public awareness activities that lead to a better understanding of the needs of exceptional children.
11. Make classroom presentations to promote social and emotional wellbeing.
12. Cooperate with agencies serving students and their families.
13. Order and maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies.
14. Maintain appropriate confidential records and provide timely reports.
15. Keep abreast of new information- innovative ideas- and techniques.
16. Obtain prior approval for all special activities and expenditures.
17. Adhere to all district and cooperative health and safety policies including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
18. Comply with all Grant requirements.
19. Ability to perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or Building Principals.
20. Attend and assist when necessary with school events such as musical programs- athletics- student recognition ceremonies- graduation and open house.
21. See that district policies are observed during all activities.
22. Keep abreast of new information- innovative ideas and techniques.
23. Obtain advance approval of the principal for all activities and expenditures.
24. Adhere to all district health and safety policies.
25. Other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.
26. Ability to implement and follow all district health and safety policies- including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
27. Successfully pass CPR Training (every two years) and Defensive Driving Training (every three years; if transporting Students).
28. Ability to perform other duties and assume other responsibilities assigned by the Building Principal or Superintendent.

KNOWLEDGE- SKILL- AND ABILITIES:

1. Help students attain an optimum level of personal and social adjustment.   
2. Consult with parents- teachers- administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
3. Ensure that all activities conform to district guidelines.
4. Communicate effectively with all members of the school district and community.
5. Work effectively with community organizations.
6. React to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned.
7. Support the value of an education.
8. Support the philosophy and mission of USD #252.
9. Comply with all district policies- rules and regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

1. Requires the ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time
2. Occasionally requires the ability to manually move- lift- carry- pull or push heavy objects or materials.
3. Occasionally requires the ability to stoop- bend and reach.
4. Requires the ability to occasionally travel.
5. Must be able to work in noisy and crowded environments.
6. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Term of Employment:  Nine-month Negotiated teacher contract (185 days) with additional days.

Evaluation:  Performance effectiveness evaluated in accordance with provision of the USD #252 Board of Education’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

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