2025-2026 SY Student Support Specialist

TITLE: Student Support Specialist FTE: 1.0

FLSA STATUS: Exempt WORK CALENDAR: 193 days

COMPENSATION: Certified School-Based Support Staff Compensation Guide (Starting $49,883)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Facilitate the appropriate academic and social and emotional supports for students

2. Actively engage with students to facilitate school-connectedness for all students

3. Develop positive relationships with students, parents and school staff

4. Adhere to best practices in providing social-emotional support for students

5. Regularly review student attendance, student grades, student discipline and other sources of data to create and implement a plan for identifying and meeting with students

6. Interact with students outside of the classroom setting including before and after school, at school activities and during student lunch periods

7. Support and reinforce District SEL initiatives (Character Strong, executive functioning coaching, study skills strategies, etc)

8. Facilitate academic support during disciplinary suspensions and assist with the successful transition to campus following both on - and off - campus suspensions

9. Actively engage with all staff members to identify students who might benefit from increased school supports

10. Collaborate with student clubs and athletic programs to attract and recruit student participation and engagement

11. Collaborate with administration for alternative to discipline and restorative supports

12. Collaborate with School Counselors, Social Workers and Administration to ensure continuity of services and supports

13. Conduct home visits as needed

14. Assist with truancy and attendance concerns

15. Collaborate with School Counselors on small group and individual interventions as requested or needed

16. Collaborate with teachers, counselors and other relevant school personnel to facilitate student transitions after prolonged absences, personal emergencies or other situations where the student is likely to need increased support

17. Check in with students during school breaks and throughout the summer to maintain school connectedness, facilitate services as needed, compile and analyze annual data and plan for the coming year

18. Maintain a database that reflects student engagements, student successes and areas for ongoing supports

19. Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff, parents and school issues

20. Provide support to other department staff as requested

21. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

22. Ability to work independently and be a self starter

23. Perform responsibilities in an ethical and professional manner

24. Maintain punctual and regular attendance

25. Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required

Education / Certificate

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or other closely related and relevant degree area

2. Certification through Arizona Department of Education or other licensing agency is preferable

3. Current and valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card

Experience

1. Minimum of three years’ experience teaching, coaching, counseling, and/or mentoring youth or other closely related and relevant experience

2. Strong knowledge of SEL strategies and programs

3. Strong situational awareness with balancing relationships with accountability and communication

4. Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with youth

5. Strong ethical character

Communication Skills
1. Must possess ability to work cooperatively with parents, students, administrator, faculty, staff and general public

2.Strong writing, literacy, and communication skills; uses effective communication strategies to interact with a variety of audiences

3. Bilingual communication is beneficial

Computer Skills

1. Must be proficient with technology (i.e. email, Google Suites, grading software, instructional platforms, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be able to lift and carry materials and packages weighing up to 15 pounds

2. Ability to travel throughout school sites and community (home visits) as required

3. Must see and hear on a continuous basis as well as speak frequently

4. Must be able to vary from standing, sitting, or walking

5. Must be able to move quickly when needed (student safety)

WORKING CONDITIONS

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

1. Must be able to tolerate a high paced working environment

2. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of sitting and computer work

3. Must be able to multitask

4. Must be able to be flexible with work hours

1-202 – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the District complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. The District expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.