Student Support Specialist

About the role

District 196 is seeking a culturally competent Student Support Specialist to support students in developing social and emotional skills that align with district values of respect, determination, relationships, and student scholarship. The Student Support Specialist works in collaboration with the administrative team to provide academic and behavior support by developing and maintaining an atmosphere focused on personal growth and achieving success for each student.

Reports to: School Principal

Responsibilities

• Work under the supervision of the Building Principal and Assistant Administrators.
• Oversee the development of students' social-emotional skills and behavioral growth; manage data collection, analysis, and reporting of progress and outcomes.
• Supervise students and promote a safe, respectful, harmonious environment for all participants.
• Bring people together to reconcile and build relationships when harm has been done.
• Empower students to identify and manage emotions, resolve conflicts, build positive relationships, and develop problem-solving skills.
• Develop and implement both individual and small-group interventions that help students build relationships, school connectedness, and the confidence to overcome challenges.
• Coach students to set, track, and achieve individual and group goals (academic, behavioral, college and career).
• Plan, lead, and facilitate active and highly engaging educational, leadership, and enrichment activities for students and staff.
• Collaborate with staff and provide expertise to address and redirect challenging behaviors.
• Engage with parents/guardians, counselors, and teachers to support consistent social and emotional learning and development at home and in the classroom.
• Participate in training sessions, conferences, and workshops as assigned or appropriate.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree (or near completion), with relevant coursework and experience in Education, Counseling, Restorative Justice, Social Work, or Youth Development.
• Ability to work in a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, and empowering manner with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual preferred; Spanish and/or Somali.
• Strong organizational skills with good attention to detail and time management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and handle stressful situations.
• Volunteer management experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, insurance, and vehicle for work purposes.
• Experience with AVID strategies.
• Trauma-informed practices.
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency working with a culturally, ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse school community preferred.

Schedule

8 hours per day, 10-month calendar; core hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Office hours, evenings, and weekends as necessary. Effective date of employment: ASAP. Application deadline: October 29, 2026, 4:00 p.m.

Pay

Non-Licensed Specialist salary range: $53,486 – $59,428 (2026‑27 school year), based on 185 days at 8 hours/day.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Sick leave
• State pension plan
• Tax-deferred retirement savings account
• Flexible spending account
• Vacation, holidays, or personal leave (varies by employee group)