SEL and Student Behavior Support Specialist - Farwell Elementary School

Position Summary

The Student Support Specialist collaborates with staff, families, and school leadership to cultivate a predictable, consistent, and trauma-informed learning environment safe for all. Grounded in instruction, MTSS, TCIS, and Tier 1 SEL frameworks, this role uses behavioral data, student plans, attendance data, strategies and modeling to implement proactive, schoolwide strategies that maximize instructional time and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Tier 1 Behavior & Attendance: Develop, monitor, and support Tier 1 behavior plans, and proactive attendance interventions.
• SEL Framework Implementation Support: Models and supports the implementation of RULER, Responsive Classroom, TCIS and other Tier I SEL practices within classroom and school settings.
• Direct Student Care: Conduct student check-ins, guide problem-solving conversations, manage student dysregulation, and communicate with those necessary to maintain a safe environment.
• Trauma-Informed Environments: Model and reinforce schoolwide behavior expectations using TCIS-aligned, predictable, and trauma-informed practices.
• Classroom Co-Regulation: Partner with teachers to embed engagement, regulation, and belonging practices into daily routines and instruction.
• Behavior Support Implementation: Help staff understand and apply the LPS Student Code of Conduct, de-escalation strategies, and Tier 1 SEL practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with grade-level teams, Special Education, and administration to address behavior trends and ensure consistent implementation of student plans.
• Family Partnerships: Support teachers in culturally responsive, strengths-based family communication regarding attendance, behavior, and academic readiness.
• Resource Sharing: Connect families with resources that promote student regulation, well-being, and consistent attendance at home.
• Outreach Support: Assist in organizing family outreach events to strengthen school-home connections.
• Trend Monitoring: Analyze schoolwide behavior, SEL, and attendance data to identify early warning signs and inform universal supports.
• Data Integrity: Work closely with the Continuous School Improvement coordinator to ensure consistent Office Discipline Referral (ODR) and behavior documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Required (one of the following Maine certifications): Valid Maine Department of Education certification as: Elementary Teacher or other appropriate certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Education.
• A minimum of five years of experience working with elementary students in high-needs or diverse school and classroom settings.
• Knowledge of SEL (RULER) frameworks, MTSS/PBIS Tier 1 supports, and trauma-informed practices.
• Certification, or ability to become certified, in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention in Schools (TCIS).
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and culturally responsive practice.
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, and adult coaching skills.
• Demonstrated skills in building trusting relationships with students, staff and families.

Working Conditions

• Frequent movement between classrooms and school sites.
• Regular collaboration with teachers and school teams.
• Occasional evening family events or facilitation professional learning sessions.

Physical Demands

• Sit and talk or hear.
• Frequent movement throughout the office environment with or without the use of stairs, ramps and elevators.
• Reach overhead.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Detail-oriented; able to self-direct and adhere to deadlines; ability to multi-task and prioritize; supportive in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain strong working relationships with City of Lewiston finance department staff.