Student Support Specialist (30 Hours Per Week)

Student Support Specialist (30 Hours Per Week)

Position Title:  Student Support Specialist 

Employment Status:  Full-Time. Salary, non-exempt.  

Hours:  30 hours per week, minimal nights and weekends may be required 

Reports To:  Student Supports Manager 

Salary: Low $30,000’s annually 

Location:  Asheville, NC 

Benefits:  12 paid holidays; health (including vision and dental) insurance, vacation/sick days, wellness days, birthday leave, retirement 

Organizational Overview: 

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County (CF/CIS) works to strengthen both child and family by keeping students on track for academic success. Our Student Support Specialists work in K-6 schools to support students with improvement goals related to attendance, behavior, coursework, parent engagement, and social-emotional learning. Our after-school and summer programs provide students with homework help, enrichment activities, healthy snacks, and support with their individualized goals. Our Family Resource Centers offer food boxes, school supplies, emergency financial assistance and much more. 

Position Overview: 

The Student Support Specialist will report directly to the Student Supports Manager, with special direction from the Director of Community Supports. They will also be collaborating heavily with other CF/CIS staff. The Student Support Specialist will be working at an assigned school site to deliver Tier I, II & III level services to students. They will develop and implement a site plan, along with individualized goals and work plans for students on their case load. Student Support Specialists will also coordinate and provide services for students during out-of-school time. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Collaborate with school staff to assess, identify, and prioritize student needs. Make appropriate linkages to needed academic, physical, or social services to children 

Develop positive relationships with and serve as point of contact for parents, teachers, social workers, counselors, and principals 

Cultivate, actively engage, and manage relationships with community partnerships that provide resources and supports for students and families   

Work with and support students, parents, faculty and staff in delivering Tier I, II & III level services 

Attend CHAPS, IEP and Behavior Management meetings 

Conduct home visits 

Develop and implement the annual site plan and work plan 

Successfully match and retain volunteers to work with students and meet identified needs  

Provide overall scheduling and coordination of volunteer/student relations 

Serve as a communication conduit for gathering/exchanging information 

Regularly track all Tier I, II & III services and student outcomes in CIS Data Management System (CISDM) 

Ensure that all paperwork and electronic documentation is current 

Enter student support plans and documentation into CISDM (Communities In Schools Data Management System) for all students receiving Tier II & III Services 

Prepare data on progress toward implementing the annual site plan as well as progress toward achieving goals stated in the annual site plan 

Provide this data at specified times to site leadership, Student Support Manager, Director of Community Supports, Executive Director, and/or grants team 

Complete all required grant and agency paperwork 

Community/Extended Learning Site Responsibilities: 

Provide Tier II & III supports to students' during out of school time, in community/extended learning sites 

Work collaboratively with out of school time staff and community partners at various community/extended learning sites for students on your caseload 

Build relationships with parents and students to help bridge the gap between community and school 

Staff Responsibilities: 

Follow CF/CIS policies and procedures  

Work collaboratively with all CF/CIS staff 

Attend trainings when required and funding is available 

Understand and demonstrate the mission and goals of CF/CIS, and represent the organization in a positive, professional manner 

Communicate regularly with the Executive Director, Director of Community Supports, and other key staff 

Provide all paperwork and reports needed to CF/CIS in a timely manner 

Attend and participate in all CF/CIS staff functions, including staff meetings 

Cross train, share information and communicate with all applicable staff 

Other duties, as assigned 

Education and Qualifications: 

Minimum of an Associate’s degree required, preferably in an education, social work, human services, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred 

Minimum two years experience in education, mentoring, or social services  

Experience working with school-aged children required, preferably in a school setting 

Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered 

Background check required 

We are looking for an individual that has: 

A commitment to a mission of “…empowering children and their families to reach their full potential through advocacy, education and services. As Communities In Schools, we surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.” 

Strong interpersonal skills with a team-player mindset. Needs to have the ability to develop a harmonious working relationship with supervisors, employees, volunteers, community partners, and the general public 

The ability to use computers to manage data and compose reports 

The ability to project a positive professional image of the organization to the community 

The ability to work with diverse populations in an outgoing, friendly, and welcoming manner 

The ability to give and receive information effectively orally and in writing  

The ability to be an organized, self-starter who can receive feedback and adjust accordingly 

A flexible work style that can not only handle changing demands and projects with ease, but can also accommodate diverse needs of children, work interruptions, and crisis calls 

An open and creative mind that will be receptive to new and innovative ideas 

The ability to perform duties with considerable independence of action, decision making, and to make correct application of policies and procedures 

The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize areas of responsibility 

The ability to maintain a clean, safe, and visually pleasing atmosphere for children 

We would love it if the candidate also: 

Speaks conversational Spanish, Ukrainian, or Russian 

Is certified in CPR and First Aid  

Has the ability to drive a 15-passenger van, which requires a valid state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record 

Has experience in recruiting, training and supervising volunteers 

To apply: 

Send your cover letter and resume to employment@childrenfirstbc.org. Position is open until filled. You will be required to submit three references prior to your final interview. 

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, military, or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to; hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Children First/CIS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its regulations.