Temporary Technical

Position Summary

The School Climate Specialist (SCS) is part of Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University and works closely with partners at the Mobile County Public School System and the University of South Alabama. The SCS will facilitate the implementation of a school-based intervention funded under R01 MD017477 "Preventing Youth Violence Through Building Equitable Communities". They will serve as the primary liaison between partnering schools and project investigators and staff. They will coordinate all intervention and evaluation activities with the school and work closely with school administration, project investigators, and the project director. The SCS will provide coaching to teachers in implementation of responsive teaching around behavior management. They will facilitate and support implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (SWPBS) and assist in tracking benchmarks and monitoring effectiveness. The SCS must follow school system policies and procedures and maintain confidentiality of all participants.

About the Work Unit

Peabody College is devoted to creating opportunities in an increasingly diverse society and to solving large societal problems.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

• Liaise between project team and participating schools' administrations.
• Recruit and schedule participating teachers.
• Conduct classroom observations and teacher meetings, using Motivational Interviews.
• Complete reports and maintain records.
• Attend team meetings.
• Co-lead intervention trainings.
• Assist in data collection as needed.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the SOAR Project Coordinator and the Primary Investigator.

Education and Certifications

• MA degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the area of education, social science or related fields is strongly preferred.

Experience and Skills

• Experience working in schools is necessary.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is necessary.
• Strong work ethic, high integrity, and excellent interpersonal skills is necessary.
• Ability to work outside of typical business hours to accommodate school hours is necessary.
• Experience in an academic research is required.
• Experience with computer software including Microsoft Office and Google Drive is necessary.
• Experience interacting with children, teachers, parents and the community is necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 30 pounds.
• Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, write by hand, and sort/file paperwork.

Working Conditions

Transportation to participating schools in Mobile, AL is required; a preferred candidate will have a valid driver's license and access to their own transportation.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member

• Autonomous – Self-managing; self-motivated; manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track.
• Reliable – Does what they say they will do, when they say they will do it; shows up for work when expected; doesn't push the burden of work volume or deadlines to others.
• Hard-Working – Is industrious as well as efficient (busy isn't the same as productive); can juggle multiple competing priorities simultaneously without becoming overwhelmed.
• Good Communication – Provides information clearly and accurately in various settings, ensuring understanding and participation.