Student Support Specialist

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions seeks a Student Support Specialist to manage CIS operations on site, coordinating a school-based team with administrators, volunteers, and partners to align services with ABC3 + P areas and improve attendance, academics, and behavior.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience; bilingual English/Spanish preferred. This full-time exempt position reports to the Director of Program Operations and serves the Charlotte area.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Zoom or similar platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret information and compose clear reports.
• Ability to present information effectively to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a school-based student support team with school partners and community stakeholders.
• Develop and implement an annual site support plan with measurable objectives across Tier I–III services.
• Coordinate services across ABC3 + P focus areas (Academic, Behavior, Coursework/College/Career, Parent Engagement).
• Monitor services and adjust plans to maximize student attendance, academics, and behavior outcomes.
• Maintain CISDM records and prepare annual reports for leadership and partners.

Skills

MS Office

Google Suite

Zoom/Virtual meetings

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Report writing

Public speaking

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Title: Student Support Specialist

Status: Full Time/Exempt/11 months

Department: Programming

Reports To: Director, Program Operations

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Summary

The Student Support Specialist is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and management of Communities In Schools (CIS) operations at the assigned site, implementing the CIS model of integrated student supports in compliance with CIS National accreditation standards. This role works directly with students, families, school administrators, staff, and community partners to improve attendance, academics, and behavior-connecting school content to real‑world experiences, fostering positive character development, and building intrinsic motivation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Planning

• Build and lead a school-based support team that collaborates with school administrators, faculty, volunteers, and community partners to implement the CIS model.
• Lead the annual needs assessment process using school and district data, surveys, and stakeholder input to identify school-wide and individual student needs.
• Develop and implement an annual site support plan with measurable objectives and procedures for delivering school-wide (Tier I), targeted (Tier II), and intensive, individualized (Tier III) services.
• Coordinate the delivery of evidence-based services aligned with Academic, Behavior, Coursework/College/Career, and Parent Engagement (ABC3 + P) focus areas.
• Monitor and adjust services regularly to maximize effectiveness and student impact.

Student Support & Case Management

• Identify, support, and monitor students at moderate to high risk of dropping out, providing targeted interventions to address attendance, academic, and behavioral needs.
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional support to students through individual and group interventions, enrichment opportunities, and life skills development.
• Work with parents/guardians to strengthen home‑school connections, support academic success, and assist with career planning and post‑secondary preparation.
• Remove academic barriers by coordinating access to health, dental, vision, and other critical needs resources.

Data, Evaluation & Reporting

• Conduct regular assessments and evaluate program outcomes to measure impact.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records in the CIS Student Information System (CISDM).
• Prepare annual end‑of‑year reports for school and affiliate leadership, contributing to local, state, and national reporting requirements.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Maintain strong, positive relationships with school personnel, families, and community partners.
• Participate in site team meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and other events to support student engagement and program effectiveness.
• Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and serve as a positive role model for youth.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education And/or Experience

Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant equivalent experience in education, social work or related field.

Skills Requirement

• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with Google Suite, Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and people skills
• Ability to analyze and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical manuals, and governmental regulations
• Ability to write and edit reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, school leaders, clients, and the general public, orally and in writing
• Ability to speak effectively to guests, candidates or employees of the organization one on one or in a group setting

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle, feel and keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The position is located within the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality are required. Regular and satisfactory performance, including meeting all process deadlines and stated deliverables, is required. The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Criminal background check and pre‑employment drug test required. Financial credit check and driving record check required, if applicable.