Student Support Specialist

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of successful experience as an educator, counselor, or in a related student support role
• Associate’s Degree in an 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 school’s 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 School’s 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