Student Support Coach

About John G. Wood School

Our specialized school, John G. Wood (JGW), is just the right size to teach students with emotional and behavioral challenges that impact their academic success. Small student-teacher ratios accommodate individual learning styles with a goal to transition students back to their public school as soon as possible. JGW includes a broad range of courses for children in kindergarten through grade 12 and Extended School Year (ESY) services are available during the summer. Some residents of VHBG’s group homes attend JGW in addition to students who commute from multiple localities in the Richmond region.

 About the Opportunity 

 This role serves students at the school in one of two ways, as assigned by the Principal: 

1. as a support coach for multiple students, or 
2. as 1:1 support coach for one assigned student. 

The employee may move from one role to the other throughout the school year depending on students’ needs. In either role, they support the student(s) in a proactive and trauma-informed manner to maximize student learning. 

Core duties and responsibilities:

Serve multiple students as a support coach, or one student as a 1:1 support coach, to: 

• Create a therapeutic environment

• Model appropriate coping and problem-solving strategies 
• Model appropriate classroom conduct and work habits 
• Model safe and therapeutic verbal and physical behaviors with other staff and students

• Support student stability, learning, and safety
  1. Identifying antecedents and process with student before conflict evolves
  2. use positive behavioral interventions 
  3. implement various levels of behavior support ranging from proactive teaching to verbal prompts to physical restraint if needed for safety

• assist students in developing social and emotional awareness

• Engage in teamwork
  • assist the classroom teacher with instruction, individual tutoring, and student engagement to create an environment that is safe with a focus on learning
  • engage in effective communication and teamwork with behavior coaches, 1:1s, teachers, and administration.
  • engage in active and supportive communication with the students and their stakeholders regarding progress, problems, and other issues related to the student
  • present data during staff, IEP, and clinical meetings 

• Complete required documentation
  • collect data for student assessment; complete required documentation 
  • complete paperwork as necessary including serious incident reports and behavior notes and other PBIS or IEP documentation. 

• Serve as a substitute teacher (if not serving in a 1:1 capacity) with instructions from the teacher, and perform the curriculum lessons and tasks required by the teacher using appropriate teaching strategies 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Experience and Education:

High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university preferred; must have one year of experience working with at-risk youth. Certification in crisis management training will be required during staff training.

About the Culture at VHBG

VHBG's leadership team encourages employees to bring their authentic self to work, whatever that means for that employee. We do this through unbiased recruiting practices, advocating for employees to participate in our inclusion ambassador council, implementing employee feedback and offering training opportunities focused on diversity, inclusion and equity. VHBG nurtures belonging and retains a highly engaged workforce in order to achieve the best experience and outcomes for our clients. 

VHBG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, genetic information, age, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other status protected under federal, state, or local law.