Student Support Specialist - (2025-2026) Check and Connect

Organizational Unit: Check and Connect | Site: Davis Center | FTE: 75.00 (41 weeks)

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Student Support Specialist administers a variety of student support programs to provide special services and assist students with health, behavioral, lifestyle, and community interaction issues.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in IEP and team meetings where implementation of IEP goals and objectives are discussed, behavior intervention plans and tiered interventions are designed, and skills instruction is planned.
• Work with individual teachers, groups of teachers, and/or the entire staff on topics such as crisis support and intervention, collaborative instruction, evidence-based interventions, and other factors that positively impact the development and implementation of interventions.
• Experience with Functional Behavioral Assessments and crafting individualized Behavior Intervention Plans that focus on building pro-social skills and increasing student engagement.
• Demonstrate ability to implement and evaluate strategies for improving student engagement.
• Develop and/or conduct in-service programs to inform teachers and support staff of the goals, objectives, and interventions specific to students and strategies to achieve them in school.
• Collaborate with staff concerning any student educational needs.
• Provide instructional ideas and/or behavioral strategies appropriate for students within the school.
• Create individualized systems for process monitoring student outcomes.
• Develop a repertoire of assessment strategies consistent with instructional goals, teaching methods, and individual student needs to accurately assess student behavior, skills, and understandings.
• Model good assessment processes that assist students in assessing their own work and behavior.
• Implement recognition systems school-wide to acknowledge student accomplishments and positive behaviors.
• Promote and support student achievement by providing social supports, student/family supports, and wellness supports to meet the social, emotional, and health needs of students.
• Assist students in learning processes; reinforce positive behavior, provide individual instruction, encourage socialization, and good communications.
• Monitor and supervise student activities; promote respect, support diversity, pre-teach and reinforce social norms, and re-teach as needed.
• Assist students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Use Active Supervision to monitor students while recording data for academic and behavioral interventions; keep records of student progress and activities; ensure all required written reports are completed and submitted daily.
• Mediate conflicts using restorative practices to create positive outcomes and build new skills in students.
• Work with all teachers to implement interventions to prevent and diminish behaviors of concern.
• Communicate with parents, students, and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and staff; act in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promote the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and information.
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned on an as-needed basis.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours and extend hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience working with public education support programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Qualifications

Knowledge Of

• Techniques needed to successfully support special education students' IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
• Use of technology to support instruction.
• Applicable policies, procedures, and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Health Services and Department of Health and Family Support.
• Principles of child psychology, engagement, and behavior management techniques.
• Classroom policies, procedures, and processes.
• Evidence-based practices for working with students with special needs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skill In

• Using effective data-based decision-making and problem-solving to support inclusion with teams.
• Using evidence-based classroom management strategies and techniques.
• Facilitating targeted social skills instruction to improve student behavior and learning skills.
• Re-teaching and reinforcing intervention instruction with children who receive special education services.
• Collecting individualized data for progress monitoring.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Collaborating as a team member with colleagues, staff, and community representatives.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients, and community agencies.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

License and Certification

• A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.
• Specific technical training and certification may be required for some incumbents in this job class.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

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

Pay

Salary Range: $33.02 - $44.58 per hour

Benefits

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