ESP Support Specialist

ESTIMATED INTERVIEW DATE: Ongoing

WORK YEAR: Part-time; (average 20 hours per week), 235 day calendar. The 235 day calendar covers the dates August 1- June 25th. There will be slight variations in these dates from year to year.

ESTIMATED INTERVIEW DATE: Ongoing

CLASSIFICATION: Rochester Operations Professional Employees (ROPE); B-2-3; Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE: Initial placement of $21.58 to $25.47 per hour based on 24-25 work agreement

ROPE Statement of Understanding 2024-2026

BENEFITS: Benefits available for regular positions working an average of 30 hours per week.
Contact Employee Services @ 507-328-4280 for detailed benefits information. Make sure to reference the exact job posting.

If you have questions regarding the position, contact the Director of Special Education, Melissa Stenke.

If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4321 or email arperrigo@rochesterschools.org

Job Summary:
The ESP Support Specialist works to provide training, coaching, and support to newly hired Education Support Professionals who work with students who qualify for special education at school sites.

The ESP Support Specialist provides support in the following areas:

• Mentoring and coaching of newly hired ESPs (approx. 60%)
  • Educating new ESPs who work in special education on how to address student behavior, behavior management techniques, academic support techniques, data collection.
  • Supporting new ESPs in helping them become oriented to District expectations and building expectations
  • Frequent travel between buildings
• Delivery of training and professional development to ESPs (approx. 25%)
  • Providing professional development for newly hired ESPs during orientation held at the Edison building.
• Working to identify and problem solve challenges / issues being faced by ESPs and effectively addressing these in a collaborative manner with ESPs and other district personnel (approx. 10%)
• Consulting with teachers, principals, special education administration and other administration to support new ESPs become successful in their role (approx. 5%)
• Other duties as assigned

Candidates must have flexibility in work schedule working more hours (up to 40) during peak onboarding months (July-November) and working less hours in December- June, averaging 20 hours per week overall.

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or GED and one of the following:
  • An Associates (or higher) degree, or
  • Two years of post-secondary coursework (60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution of higher education which are applicable toward a bachelor’s degree, or
  • Passing score on ParaEducator test.
• Direct experience working with special education students as an Education Support Professional, teacher or other similar position is required
• Prefer 5 years experience as an ESP, Teacher or other position in education that worked directly with students who receive special education services.
• Must have reliable transportation for independent frequent travel between buildings
• Preference that applicant has current or recent training from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
• Preference to have experience working in a variety of K-12 special education settings
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Must be able to work with all student disability areas in school- and community-based settings
• Must be organized
• Current teaching license, a plus.
• Must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve.
We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.