Student Support Specialist/Academic Advisor - Interim

The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

General Position Summary:

The Specialist fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating the learning process with the teacher of the students in the Catholic school for whom the teacher is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The Specialist provides the appropriate learning atmosphere and activities designed to maximize student competencies and skills for intellectual, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual growth toward a successful future.

Principal Accountabilities:

• In collaboration with Teachers and Learning Support Specialist, facilitate parent meetings to discuss student performance, academic plans, and support strategies
• Provide small group and individual academic support for identified students
• Regular communication with parents regarding their student’s progress and any concerns
• Track and analyze student grades, progression, and other performance metrics
• Identify students who may need additional support and develop strategies to address their needs
• Support new student orientation by facilitating sessions that provide essential information about program requirements, policies, and resources.
• Help develop and deliver parent information sessions
• Meet with families to go over support plan in collaboration with learning specialist
• Provide teachers with hands on support in implementing accommodation plans
• Collaborate with the Learning Specialist to develop and implement intervention plans and accommodations for students with academic, social emotional, and/or behavioral needs.
• In collaboration with teachers, devise special strategies for reinforcing material based on an understanding of the needs and abilities of individual students
• Collaborate with teachers to ensure support and implementation of Academic and Behavior Intervention Plans
• Provide support and resources to teachers to help them effectively meet the needs of students with diverse learning requirements
• Aid students when a teacher is out to ensure continuity of instruction and support for students
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices
• Contribute to the development and implementation of school-wide initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes
• Assist with other duties as needed by the principal
• Serve as a positive role model for students through appropriate dress, speech and attitude
• Promote an environment that fosters a sense of belonging
• Collaborate with Learning Specialist and Counselor to run “Brain Break” sessions

Typical Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position:

Minimal Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position

Supervision Given and/or Received:

Moderate Supervision Given and/or Received

Internal Contacts:

• Diocese Pastors, Priests, Head of School, School Presidents, Principals, Business Managers, and employees.

External Contacts:

• Parents, diocese vendors, local, state, and federal agency representatives, and auditors.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• This position works in a typical school environment but is subject to stress due to the evolving and quickly expanding needs of the Diocese, tight deadlines and moderate workloads.
• Ability to sit and perform computer work for lengthy periods of time.
• Able to access and maintain centralized departmental files. Involves extending arms and reaching files stored in multiple levels on shelves, climbing up a stepladder to access files.
• Ability to accept work interruptions while remaining focused on duties.
• Demonstrates a calm, professional demeanor and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Adapts easily to changing schedules, priorities, and student needs.
• Excels at multitasking and managing several responsibilities simultaneously.
• Physically able to stand and move for extended periods throughout the day.
• Comfortable working from a mobile cart and traveling between classrooms as needed
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance and up to 60 pounds with assistance.
• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress
• Required to teach per school schedule
• Required to work in standard classroom and school conditions
• Required to lift or carry classroom supplies, textbooks, furniture, and equipment
• Required to maintain composure and avoid inappropriate displays of emotion
• Required to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, hear, see, and speak on a daily basis
• Required to perform repetitive physical tasks such as computer keyboarding, writing, and reading
• Required to monitor students in a variety of locations including those with noise, activity, and inclement weather

Travel Requirements:

• Infrequent travel, by car, may be required to Diocese Parishes and/or schools.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree
• SPED certification Required
• 3+ years special education classroom experience

Knowledge and Skills Preferred:

• Demonstrates a passion for working with children and fostering their holistic development.
• Knowledge of subjects taught, instructional methods/strategies, and curriculum Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Differentiation in target languages
• Knowledge of child development, learning, and behavior
• Able to manage student behavior in classroom setting
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form in both targeted language(s)
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Skill in motivating and engaging students in the learning process
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Detail oriented and organized.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated history of good judgement.
• Demonstrated aptitude for adaptability and flexibility.
• Works well in a team setting.
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Microsoft Office 365 / Intermediate to advanced capabilities with a heavy emphasis in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Demonstrated professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to honor and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to receive, understand, retain, and complete verbal and written tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as in teams.
• Ability to work well with people from a diverse variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to skillset to listen empathetically, make peace, and de-escalate.

FLSA Designation: Exempt, (FT, PT or OCC), on-site. Hours align with school operating hours and may include additional responsibilities such as faculty meetings, professional development, and school events.