Specialist Student Support

Student Support Specialist

Position Overview: This position is responsible for facilitating the implementation of a K-8 classroom support program by providing special instructions to teachers, parents, individuals and small groups of students with identified needs (both behavioral and academic). The Specialist utilizes best practices from the classical mode of instruction to provide essential academic support to our students and their families so that students with learning challenges can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. This position will provide support services for all Palm Beach & Treasure Coast Christian Academy K-8 programs.

Direct Leader: Head of Schools

Matrix Leader: School Superintendent

Classification: Salaried Exempt

Responsibilities

1. Assist in Admissions process:

• Provide testing, assessment, and observation information to the Principal for assistance in determining feasibility of admission to the school.
• Assist the Principal in determining the best fit for academic placement for accepted students.
• Identify and assess students who will require academic, emotional or behavioral support services.
• Build a support network consisting of families, school administration, teachers and local professionals.

1. Provide support services to teachers:

• Interpret psycho-educational evaluations and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), 504 Plans and Behavioral Intervention.
• All accommodation and support plans must be designed to help teachers be successful in the PBCA classical model and reinforce PBCA guidelines and principles.
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional aides to create support plans for effective instruction and classroom management. Plans should address students who are experiencing difficulties in academic or behavioral progression as well as students who are excelling beyond the normal patterns of mastery.
• Provide coaching tips and techniques to teachers and instructional aides related to implementation of created support plans.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences as needed / requested for students in need of support services.

1. Create support plans for students

• Create plans designed to help students be successful in our distinct classical model.
• Maintain required PBCA and state records, including initial assessments and plans, ongoing progress reports
• Partner with local mental health professionals to support students and families.
• Develop and implement a tracking and assessment system for student use of support services.
• Review testing and assessment data to determine the levels of achievement and success of implemented support plans.
• Track academic progress and provide support for students who are experiencing difficulties in learning and those who are excelling beyond the normal patterns of mastery.
• Provide regular reports for assessment and planning related to the enrichment programs and their impact on the students’ learning progress.

1. Provide instructional and behavioral support to students and families:

• Provide support for at-risk students with academic, social, and behavioral needs, which includes working with students individually, in small groups, within the classroom, and other student academic learning or behavioral services outside of the classroom.
• Collaborate with teachers and instructional aides to create support plans, make recommendations for intervention and professional services, and coordinate the implementation of those interventions and services.
• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions, assessments, workshops, and activities for students and their families.
• Provide coaching tips and techniques to teachers and instructional aides related to implementation of created support plans.
• Participate in parent-administration conferences as needed / requested for students in need of or actively receiving support services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, master’s degree preferred.
• Teaching certification with a specialization in specific educational programs or methodologies preferred.
• Two to four years of classroom teaching experience.
• Experience working with students with diverse learning needs and abilities.
• Experience in providing academic interventions and support services to students.
• Experience in or willingness to learn the classical Christian model.
• Evidence of strong Christian faith and values.
• Demonstrates a strong Christian character and integrity.
• Ability to meet all minimum eligibility requirements to be a member of Family Church.
• Supportive of the doctrinal statements as found in the Baptist Faith & Message of 2000.
• Maintain a close and healthy walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Maintain a high standard of excellence and moral character.
• Evidence of ability to interact collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and administration.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must pass drug test, fingerprints, and level 2 background check.
• Commitment to Family Church and Palm Beach Christian Academy’s vision and mission.
• Ability to coach and inspire.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Works in classrooms and in an office environment.
• Use of computer and other technology.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Participates in assessments, classroom observations, and activities.
• This position will involve occasional evening or weekend hours to attend school events or meetings.
• Travel required to various school campuses.

Full-time Employee Benefits

• Employer and employee shared healthcare coverage with employer funded declining balance debit card.
• Employer and employee shared Dental, Vision, and Voluntary Life.
• Employer-paid Consumerism Card, including health advocacy and Teladoc telemedicine.
• Employer-paid retirement benefit after one year of service, with 5% employer contribution.
• Two weeks of school assigned vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Child enrollment tuition benefit.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance for three times annual salary.
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability.

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