Student Support Specialist

Job Summary

Position is responsible for assisting with implementing the student support program for an assigned school. Position provides support and counseling services to students; develops prevention and intervention strategies; assesses students and families; provides case management; monitors student progress; and makes referrals.

Essential Duties

• Affords support and counseling services to students.
• Collaborates with school staff to develop intervention and prevention strategies for students and develops individualized service plans to facilitate achievement.
• Conducts individual and group counseling in areas of crisis intervention, family intervention, and problem solving/decision making, conflict mediation, substance abuse, grief, and anger management.
• Provides families with information related to the needs of their child and acts as a resource to parents/guardians by providing family support activities.
• Affords assessment and monitoring of family and student progress and provides referral and resources for students who are found to be using alcohol and other drugs.
• Serves as a liaison between their assigned school and such agencies as human services, court services, community services board, and/or community based mental health agencies regarding a substance abuse and/or social emotional concerns affecting a student’s progress in the academic environment.
• Acts as a resource to administrators, school counselors, teachers, and health services personnel at the assigned school regarding the student assistance program.
• Serves as a member of the school crisis team and provides referral services as needed under the supervision of the Student Support Supervisor.
• Maintains necessary records and reports ensuring confidentiality of students and their families.
• Inputs information for student services in shared database.
• Affords assistance in developing and implementing crisis intervention, trauma informed care, student and family support interventions, problem solving/decision making, grief, anger management, and substance abuse programs under the supervision of the Student Support Supervisor.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Other Duties

Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor and Principal or other appropriate administrator.

Job Specifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required)

• Must possess a Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field and some experience providing crisis intervention, counseling, and substance abuse prevention education for school aged children; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the noted knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• State Substance Abuse Counselor Certification preferred but not required.
• Must possess a demonstrated knowledge and understanding of substance abuse education, mental health services, trauma informed care, and referral resources.
• Must possess excellent assessment, case management, crisis intervention, interpersonal, conflict mediation, and communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to conduct individual and group counseling sessions, assessments, workshops, and activities for students and their families.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, and outside agencies.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• The physical requirements described herein are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements

• Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal/typewriter, and to perform;
• See and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids;
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone;
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties are normally performed in an office environment.

Supervision Exercised

• None

Supervision Received

• Supervisor of Student Support