What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Services Specialist position at Poway Unified School District?
STUDENT SERVICES SPECIALIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of a District Administrator, Principal, or Assistant Principal, perform a variety of paraprofessional duties related to the operation of a school student services center. Educate students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. In collaboration with School Counselors, document, assist, and communicate with students regarding sensitive issues and concerns such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Facilitate and participate in support groups, advocacy projects, community service opportunities, and programs related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence education and/or prevention, intervention, and cessation activities.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Operate the student service center in accordance with policies and directives, communicate with students regarding issues of a personal nature, and provide resources as necessary to respond to questions. Discern and refer issues of a serious nature to a certificated/licensed staff member.
Collect, organize, and maintain resource materials and information on topics including, but not limited to, vaping, alcohol, tobacco, violence and drug and alcohol abuse prevention, intervention and cessation programs..
Communicate with students and staff regarding resources, activities, and services offered in the site’s Student Services Center and/or by the Student Services Specialist.
Act as a liaison between the school and outside community in order to connect families with appropriate resources and/or information.
Engage students in educational classes on vaping, tobacco, violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. In addition, conduct prevention, intervention, and cessation sessions for the previously mentioned topics.
Facilitate support groups on a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, grief, relationships, divorce, eating disorders, and life skills. Additionally, conduct one-on-one student meetings and conflict mediation sessions.
Work with students referred by administration for vaping, alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse, social emotional, and/ or behavior issues.
Maintain confidentiality of information to be in compliance of meeting privacy requirements (FERPA).
Make educational/informational presentations to staff, parents, and the community on alcohol, tobacco, violence, drugs, mental health wellness, and social emotional awareness.
Participate in school activities (e.g. clubs, ASB functions, groups etc.) to promote a positive school-wide culture.
Attend professional development and District/site trainings, when requested.
Provide general guidance and nurturance to students.
Perform various clerical tasks in support of Student Services including the preparation and maintenance of records and files related to students and program schedules. Duplicate and assemble materials, prepare program correspondence and flyers, create social media posts, and perform related tasks.
Perform related duties as assigned by administrator such as PBIS, Restorative Circles, S-Cubed, crisis team, or threat assessment team within job classification.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Child development principles and practices.
Diversity, inclusion and equity practices.
Basic methods used in motivating, assisting and building resilience in students.
Student behavior and characteristics.
Research-based class lessons.
Small group instruction.
Community based resources and outreach programs.
Policies and objectives of assigned program and activities.
Record-keeping and filing techniques.
Oral and written communication skills, including correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
At-risk student behaviors.
Basic computer skills.
ABILITY TO:
Perform student support activities to enhance and reinforce behavioral and social skills to students. Assist students with tobacco abuse, substance abuse, bullying, low self-esteem, anger management, decision making, and other matters which prevent full educational potential.
Perform a variety of paraprofessional duties related to the operation of a school student services center.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, parents, and staff and community. .
Establish and maintain professional, cooperative, and effective working relationships with students and adults.
Follow oral and written directions.
Work independently with little direction.
Work confidentially with discretion; maintain confidentiality when working with student information.
Assemble, organize and prepare data for records and reports.
Answer telephones and greet the public courteously.
Understand and work within the scope of assigned duties.
Assess, understand and respond to the needs of students.
Prepare records and maintain reports.
Make oral presentations.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Plan and organize work.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Maintain working relationships with local agency service providers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Completion of two years of college level training in counseling, psychology career or vocational education, or a related field and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting.
Additional years of education or experience may be substituted to meet the minimum qualifications.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Complete Facilitator Training and Brief Intervention Training within one year of hire date.
Valid California driver’s license.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
School environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Seeing to observe students.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
HAZARDS:
Possible contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Salary : $22 - $28
