What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialist - Safe and Supportive Schools Program position at Katy Independent School District?
Reports To: Coordinator-Safe and Supportive Schools Program
Duty Days: 228 Days
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: I02
Date Created: 01/2025
Qualifications:
Master's degree in education, counseling, social work, school psychology, or related field
Valid Texas certification or licensure in education, counseling, social work, school psychology, or related field
Minimum 3 years of experience in education, school mental health, or school safety
Ability to collaborate on a multidisciplinary team with other school professionals
Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle sensitive situations with discretion
Understanding of child and adolescent development, behavior threat assessment and management, bullying prevention, and best practices in school safety
General knowledge of local, regional, and state community resources
Primary Purpose:
The Safe and Supportive Schools Program Specialist supports campuses in implementing the state’s Safe and Supportive Schools Program. This role provides guidance and resources for conducting behavior threat assessments, managing bullying investigations, and fostering a positive school climate and culture. The specialist facilitates the effective use of district systems, including anonymous reporting tools and documentation platforms, and delivers professional development and coaching to strengthen staff capacity and ensure compliance with district and state guidelines.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Offer guidance, resources, and support to campus Safe and Supportive School Program (SSSP) teams conducting behavioral threat assessments, managing bullying investigations, implementing stay away agreements, developing safety plans, and fostering a positive school climate and culture.
- Manage the implementation and use of the district’s anonymous reporting system, ensuring all reports are addressed promptly and appropriately in alignment with district policies and protocols.
- Assist campus SSSP teams with accurate and timely documentation of threat assessments, bullying investigations, and related interventions, adhering to district processes and procedures.
- Serve on the district's Safe and Supportive Schools Program team.
- Collaborate with district departments, law enforcement, and community organizations to strengthen school safety efforts across the district.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of district-wide prevention programs designed to reduce violence, bullying, and other crises.
- Collaborate with district leadership to design, update, and implement district-wide school safety protocols and procedures.
- Create and deliver professional development on bullying prevention, threat assessments, human trafficking, school safety, and issues impacting school safety.
- Develop and provide parent and community presentations on bullying prevention, threat assessments, human trafficking, school safety, and related topics.
- Provide ongoing coaching and training to campus SSSP teams to enhance their skills and ensure compliance with district policies and protocols.
- Assist campuses in developing individualized safety plans, intervention strategies, and support for bullying prevention, behavior threat assessments, and school safety-related incidents.
- Collaborate with other student support offices to develop and implement a comprehensive Safe and Supportive Schools Program for the district.
- Maintain accurate records of district-level interventions and follow-up actions, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with district policies.
- Serve on district/campus committees as necessary.
- Stay informed about legislative changes, emerging research, and best practices in school safety, threat assessment, and bullying prevention.
- Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical & responsible behavior.
- Other duties as assigned.
Equipment Used:
Interactive white board, computer, printer, copier, overhead projector, DVD/VCR, cellular phone, and other emerging technologies which are particularly unique to the assignment. Instructional and productivity software, as required by the assignment.
Working Conditions:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Work with frequent interruptions. District-wide travel. Moderate lifting and carrying 15-44 pounds weekly.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.