Learning Support Specialist K-8

The learning support specialist oversees the accommodation and support of students with diagnosed learning needs. S/He manages the documentation and implementation of 504 and student support plans, supports classroom teachers to meet the individual needs of their students, counsels families in the process of evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendations of a psych-ed eval, and works with individuals and small groups with Tier 2 level of support. This role reports to the principal. 

The Learning Support Specialist has a passion for:

• Supporting students with learning needs to grow academically, spiritually, and socially
• Working with teachers to support effective, differentiated instruction for all learners
• Working with families to understand the way their children learn and how to best support their academic, spiritual, and social development

Essential Duties:

Duties - % of time spent

• Conduct Small Group (Tier 2) support of students in reading and student skills - 60%
• Collaboration with Teachers to improve effective Tier 1 instruction for students with learning needs - 20%
• Supporting parents through the process of identifying and accommodating learning needs at both school and home - 10%
• Management of Psych-Ed Evaluations and 504 Accommodation Plans - 10%

Specific Duties:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Small Group (Tier 2) support of students in reading and student skills

• Identify students with learning needs and/or specific diagnoses that would benefit from small group support
• Hold small group support sessions throughout the week using research-based methods to help students grow
• Provide a collaborative and productive learning environment for middle school students who do not attend Spanish class due to a documented foreign language waiver

Collaboration with Teachers to improve effective Tier 1 instruction for students with learning needs

• Meet with teachers throughout the year to understand the unique learning needs of their students and the accommodations that they will be providing
• Collaborate with teachers and provide solutions to accommodations in a given class, project, or content area
• Work with teachers who suspect learning issues are present and 

Supporting parents through the process of identifying and accommodating learning needs at both school and home

• Act, along with the principal, as the point of contact for families with questions or concerns about their child’s learning needs and academic progress
• Educate families on learning needs and the process of student evaluation
• Maintain a curated list of recommended, licensed evaluators at varying price points as well as possible sources for funding support
• Walk with families through the evaluation process
• Communicate, in collaboration with the principal, what accommodations the school can provide to support the student across grade levels
• Coordination and scheduling of outside tutors who work with students in the building

Management of Psych-Ed Evaluations and 504 Accommodation Plans

• Confidentially store and distribute Psych-Ed Evaluations and 504 Plans in accordance with AoD policy and HIPAA standards
• Update 504 plans annually
• Oversee the implementation of 504 plans in classrooms and work with the principal and assistant principal to ensure their faithful and effective enactment

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate:

• Evangelical zeal and apostolic mindset
• A self-starter attitude and ability to enthusiastically motivate people
• Great communication and interpersonal skills
• Intermediate level of IT literacy, with a willingness to learn new technologies
• Attention to detail and organization, especially in record keeping
• Strong teamwork skills

Qualifications:

Required

• Be a fully initiated Catholic in the communion of the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043)
• A love for children of all ages and commitment to their academic, spiritual, moral, and social growth and development
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Preferred

• 2+ years’ experience working closely with the life of a Catholic school

This position description does not list all of the duties of the job. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this position description. Management has the right to revise this position description at any time. The position description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

Benefits:

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid sick time

Paid time off

Vision insurance

How to apply: Please complete online application. Applications will be accepted until the role is filled.