Student Support Specialist Maya Angelou PCS SY 25 - 26

Description

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed – they will thrive!

If you are interested in learning more about Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Student Support Specialist will serve as a support specialist, data lead, enrollment support, and school culture support as needed within their assigned grade levels.  Each specialist is required to work collaboratively with all school personnel (teachers, administrators, support staff) to remove the barriers that prevent students from accessing instruction.  Some of those barriers may include: attendance challenges, academic and instructional needs, engagement issues, lack of basic needs, and personal matters that impede their ability to have a healthy school experience.  We believe that every student benefits from having dedicated professionals whose major responsibility is a student’s emotional growth and well-being.  This position reports to the Principal and works collaboratively with the Academic Dean of the High School campus. 

Requirements

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Oversee a caseload of students for a specific grade level.
• Maintain comprehensive records for assigned students.
• Collaborate with academic staff, counselors, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Monitor daily/weekly attendance, behavior, and academic performance.
• Implement, support, and lead the MTSS process to identify and address student needs through tiered interventions.
• Address truancy through, but not limited to, calls, letters, reports, and coordination with state agencies.
• Partner with Special Education for data validation and truancy tracking.
• Support and coordinate Student Support Team (SST) meetings and Student Success Talks.
• Develop and lead student engagement initiatives (e.g., field trips, group meetings, competitions).
• Assist with student town halls and observe student behavior regularly.
• Work with teachers to support academic and behavioral improvement through targeted interventions.
• Schedule and facilitate conferences with students, families, and community partners.
• Participate in student-related conferences and re-entry meetings.
• Collaborate with the Postsecondary Department on student internship transitions.
• Support students and families during virtual or remote learning phases.
• Provide regular progress updates to stakeholders.
• Conduct routine home visits for attendance and engagement follow-up.
• Help students build social-emotional skills and confidence.
• Enforce school-wide rules and expectations.
• Escalate attendance and behavioral concerns to leadership when necessary.
• Adhere to weekly schedules and maintain consistent communication with school leadership.
• Attend required meetings and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Knowledge and Skills

Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills (both orally and written)

• Excellent case management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• History of effectively assessing the psycho-educational needs of students and families
• Strong problem-solving and crisis intervention skills
• Capacity to formulate innovative but functional approaches to the resolution of problems and the ability to effectively convey those thoughts and approaches to various parties

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Required), Master’s degree (Preferred) in social work, education, psychology, counseling, or related field
• Experience working with opportunity youth in an academic setting
• Experience working in community-based mental health, family health/mental health, and or school setting
• Experience with computer systems and data entry (i.e., MS Word, PowerSchool, etc.) Preferred
• Valid driver's license to travel to student homes and community resources