Paraprofessional - General (STEP) Specialist

Van Buren Area Online Application Consortium; Mattawan (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Buren Area Online Application Consortium seeks a STEP Specialist to support students experiencing homelessness by providing classroom-based services and coordinating with teachers to promote academic success. This grant-funded role emphasizes collaboration, confidentiality, and proactive engagement with families.

The position requires at least 60 college credits and related experience with school-age children or office management.

Qualifications

• The candidate has completed at least 60 college credits.
• Experience with school-age children, paid or voluntary.
• Experience with office management or related clerical duties.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic support to identified students within the classroom setting.
• Collaborate with teachers, guidance counselors and staff to support students.
• Arrange tutoring sessions and coordinate with teachers or sources as needed.
• Monitor student progress in scheduled classes.
• Maintain an updated list of students and services.
• Communicate with school personnel and families when appropriate.
• Model effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Explore options with students and team members for supportive services.
• Participate in professional development related to poverty and homelessness.
• Perform routine clerical tasks and follow directions as assigned.
• Show initiative with children and materials, and maintain cooperative relationships.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Problem solving

Education

60 college credits

Job description

POSITION: Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) Specialist

REPORTS TO: Director of Whole Child Services

SUMMARY:

The STEP Specialist serves students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate overnight residence by providing support services within the classroom to ensure educational success and lifelong learning. The Specialist works closely with relevant team members to enhance students' school performance and decrease the academic and social impact of homelessness. This is a grant-funded position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Have obtained at least 60 college credits
• Prior job-related experiences, paid or voluntary, with school-age children;
• Prior job-related experiences paid or voluntary with office management;

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide academic support to identified students within the classroom setting.
• Collaborate with teachers, guidance counselors, and other relevant staff to support students.
• Arrange extra tutoring sessions and help from teachers or another source, as needed.
• Monitor student progress in scheduled classes.
• Maintain an updated list of students and services.
• Communicate when appropriate with school personnel and family.
• Listen, support and model effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Explore options with students and relevant team members regarding supportive community services.
• Participate in professional development related to poverty and/or homelessness.
• Perform routine clerical tasks;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Participate in inservice education, conferences or formal classes related to assignment;
• Show initiative when working with children or using materials;
• Maintain cooperative, effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Willingness to learn, acquire and apply new skills and knowledge
• Evidence of good interpersonal skills, adaptability and problem solving
• Maintain confidentiality of student records;
• Transport students to and from school (occasionally) with a valid driver's license
• Meet schedules and deadlines;

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, must be able to see and hear the entire classroom, and moving light furniture may be required.

SAFETY AND HEALTH:

Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.

EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS HANDLED:

Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.