St. Francis of Assisi School located in Baltimore, Maryland is a small Pre-K through 8 parochial school. The school was established in 1955 and currently serves approximately 230 students. The Student Support Specialist will support the school mission by planning, guiding, and evaluating the academic learning process while building programs that enhance the social and emotional learning of the students.
The Student Support Specialist will report to the Principal and will be a regular member of the administrative leadership team and will have the opportunity to build faith-filled, stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate programs, through which students will have the opportunity to grow in the cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed to access learning and interact with others. The Student Support Specialist must be creative, professional, dependable, warm, kind, and a team player.
Essential Functions
- Always maintain confidentiality and discretion.
- Assist students as an advocate for the development of the whole child.
- Observe students in the classroom environment, assess, and work personally with students to develop coping mechanisms needed for academic success.
- Bring a collaborative, data-driven, solutions-oriented attitude to the school administrative team.
- Support students in mentally processing their challenges and/or adjustments to school through goal setting and action planning.
- Contact and stay connected to parents to assist them in the understanding of and constructive participation in their child's progress.
- Build and maintain comprehensive, school-wide prevention needs programming.
- Consult with other school personnel in gathering and sharing appropriate information as well as to establish staff roles and responsibilities regarding student needs beyond general academic education.
- Assist in the confidential and accurate recording and proper maintenance of student records, those accessed by both school staff members and non-school reporting agencies.
- Prepare and submit timely reports on students referred for evaluation.
- Participate in the Student Advocacy Team to respond to student learning concerns and ensure effective accommodations are updated for students with special needs.
- Participate in workshops and training for professional growth.
- Identify students at risk.
- Obtain training to be able to impart crisis intervention skills when need arises.
- Assist students with special needs according to AoB guidelines.
- Assist teachers with problem solving interventions.
- Recognize indicators of student distress or abuse and take appropriate steps.
- Serve as an advocate for students.
- Maintain professional and ethical standards as outlined by the Archdiocese Code of Conduct, as well as follow all school and Archdiocesan policies, rules, and regulations.
- Keep updated on student/school legal issues and procedures.
- Maintain positive relationships and communicate effectively with staff and vendors.
- Keep Principal informed of potential problems or unusual events.
- Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
- Demonstrate support for the school and its goals and priorities.
Position Qualifications
- Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
- Certification in Guidance and Counseling or Administration preferred.
- Master's Degree from an accredited educational institution preferred.
- Deep belief in the potential of all children and the values of Catholic education, practicing Catholic preferred.
- Successful experience as a teacher or counselor preferred.
- Willingness to obtain knowledge and training in counseling techniques and referral process.
- Ability to implement a developmental guidance program.
- Knowledge of community resources.
- Proficient in educational testing and measurement practices, preferred.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to analyze date and form conclusions.
- Proficient in technology and software use, including Google Workspace and associated applications.
- Ability to cultivate a loving and joyful student culture.
- Sensitive and responsive to the needs of others.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to operate with a growth mindset and seek opportunities for feedback.
- Excellent typing, writing, and communication skills are essential. This includes the ability to easily compose correspondence with a good command of the English language. Must be proficient with spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Pay Range: $21.00 - $25.00, Hourly
Benefits: We offer a generous paid sick leave benefit with this position, and employee automatic enrollment in the 403(b) plan.
