School Success Program Assistant - (2026-2027) Indian Education

Organizational Unit: Indian Education | Site: Davis Center | FTE: 1.0 (40 hours/week, 41 weeks)

About the Role

Under general supervision, works directly and collaboratively with administrators, school site staff, parents, students, and community service providers to develop comprehensive and inclusive strategies that promote student achievement and school attendance. This position focuses on supporting students and families of students receiving Special Education and who have identified as American Indian.

This position supports the Dream Catcher Program: The Dream Catcher Project trains IHSLs or cultural staff to work with special educators to observe students' behavior. This helps schools make better evaluations and include cultural perspectives in decisions they make about students.

Responsibilities

• Develops comprehensive and inclusive strategies to address student achievement and attendance; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies.
• Works directly and collaboratively with administrators, school site staff, parents, students, and community service providers to assist in the identification and development of procedures and agreements with schools, community agencies, and resources that promote improved student performance.
• Administers MPS school success programs to develop and implement improvement plans that meet MPS goals and result in high-achieving learning environments for all students.
• Works collaboratively with schools and programs to define and outline the role of school staff in improving student success and performance.
• Refines and adapts various educational service systems designed to meet the needs of students.
• Works with staff to identify professional staff development needs by planning, organizing, and facilitating programs that improve staff effectiveness and are consistent with instructional goals.
• Evaluates students using a variety of assessment tools and provides guidance and support.
• Investigates and resolves complaints; responds to inquiries on a wide range of questions about MPS policy, procedures, resources, processes, student evaluation, placement, programs, and discipline.
• Mediates conflicts and provides advocacy services for clients in their interactions with government and community agencies; verifies compliance with agreements and performance standards.
• Researches and writes grants and proposals for development and expansion of district programs that impact school success for students.
• Monitors and evaluates student academic progress; assists students in accessing appropriate educational experiences which enhance basic skills; helps students solve personal and family issues; refers students to MPS programs, local community resources, and regional community services.
• Communicates with parents, students, and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information; answers questions and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and MPS information.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Service, Psychology, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of demonstrated educational support experience in an urban educational environment, including group facilitation and conflict resolution; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Knowledge of applicable policies, procedures, and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Understanding of public education issues, procedures, and practices that influence school engagement for youth.
• Familiarity with MPS policies and procedures for testing, attendance, truancy, special education, and data privacy.
• Knowledge of state and local rules and regulations covering legal rights of due process and fair procedures.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Principles and practices of conflict resolution and negotiation strategies.
• Experience with specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Awareness of local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Proficiency with personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.

Skills

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Analyzing problems and developing effective solutions.
• Working with staff, students, and families in a large urban school system that deals with complex student issues and economic and cultural diversity.
• Working effectively with persons of diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Perceiving the needs and concerns of others, interacting in a tactful manner, resolving conflicts, mediating disputes, and building personal skills.
• Preparing and presenting public reports and engaging community groups in meaningful dialogue.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Collaborating as a team member with colleagues, staff, and community representatives.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients, and community agencies.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Qualifications

• A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in a classroom and a general office environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Jobs in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, long periods of working with computers, and working with children.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• HSA & FSA
• Retirement plan

Pay

Salary Range: $32.29 - $38.55 per hour