Student Support Specialist

Wayne County Schools Employment Network; Dearborn Heights (MI); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne County Schools Employment Network is seeking a Student Support Specialist at Robichaud High School to support at-risk students within an MTSS/PBIS framework. The role emphasizes collaboration with families, teachers, and partners to promote attendance, behavior, and academic success.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and has at least three years of school-based experience, with strong data skills and trauma-informed practice knowledge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of successful school/youth-serving experience.
• Knowledge of MTSS and PBIS frameworks and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal effectiveness.
• Proficiency with educational technology, data management systems, and Google Workspace/Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Identify and support students with academic, behavioral, attendance, or social-emotional concerns.
• Develop, monitor, and adjust intervention plans for at-risk students using MTSS/PBIS.
• Lead problem-solving meetings and coordinate individualized supports.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and skills development for students.
• Collaborate with families, teachers, counselors, and community partners to remove barriers to learning.
• Collect and analyze behavioral and attendance data to inform decisions and evaluate programs.

Skills

MTSS knowledge

PBIS knowledge

Data-driven decisions

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Student information systems

Job description

• Position Type:
  Support Staff/ Behavior Coach
• Date Posted:
  9/11/2026
• Location:
  Robichaud High School
• District:
  Westwood Community School District

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:Student Support Specialist

Reports To: Building Principal

SALARY: $65,000

TERMS: Full time, non-union 10-month Position with Fringe Benefits

Primary Purpose

The Student Support Specialist supports the academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional success of students identified as at-risk under Michigan Section 31a requirements. The Specialist collaborates with students, families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to remove barriers to learning, improve student engagement, and increase student success through evidence-based interventions and support systems.

This position provides direct and indirect services to students while supporting the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), restorative practices, and other research-based strategies designed to improve student outcomes.

Performance Responsibilities

The duties listed below are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive.

Student Support and Intervention

• Identify and provide support to students exhibiting academic, behavioral, attendance, social-emotional, or engagement concerns.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention plans for at-risk students.
• Conduct student problem-solving meetings and assist in developing individualized supports.
• Facilitate restorative conversations, conflict resolution, and behavior intervention strategies.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on data and student needs.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and skill-building opportunities for students.
• Coordinate and facilitate attendance improvement initiatives and interventions.

MTSS, PBIS, and Behavioral Support

• Support implementation and continuous improvement of MTSS and PBIS frameworks.
• Collaborate with staff to establish positive learning environments and proactive behavioral supports.
• Assist teachers in implementing evidence-based classroom management and intervention practices.
• Provide training and coaching to staff regarding behavior supports, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation techniques, and student engagement strategies.
• Support fidelity of intervention implementation across tiers of support.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build positive partnerships with families to support student success.
• Facilitate communication among students, families, school staff, and community agencies.
• Connect students and families with available school and community resources, including mental health, health, nutritional, and social services.
• Participate in home visits, family conferences, and outreach efforts when appropriate.

Data Collection and Program Evaluation

• Collect, maintain, analyze, and report behavioral, attendance, and intervention data.
• Utilize student outcome data to inform intervention decisions and evaluate effectiveness.
• Maintain documentation required for Section 31a compliance and reporting.
• Assist administration in evaluating the effectiveness of student support programs and services.

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as an active member of school improvement, MTSS, PBIS, and student support teams.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, social workers, special education staff, and community partners to coordinate services.
• Support district initiatives related to student engagement, school climate, and academic achievement.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the objectives of Section 31a programming and district goals.

The successful candidate demonstrates the ability to:

• Build meaningful, supportive relationships with students and families.
• Foster student engagement, resilience, and positive behavioral outcomes.
• Implement evidence-based interventions and supports for at-risk students.
• Utilize data to identify student needs, monitor progress, and inform decision-making.
• Collaborate effectively with educators, families, and community agencies.
• Support implementation of MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Communicate effectively through written and verbal communication.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and equity-focused practices.
• Serve as a positive role model for students and staff.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of successful experience working with students in a school or youth-serving setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, behavior intervention practices, and student support systems.
• Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with educational technology, data management systems, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and student information systems.

Preferred

• Experience implementing MTSS and PBIS frameworks.
• Experience working with at-risk students and families.
• Training in restorative practices, trauma-informed practices, behavior intervention, or student engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of MiMTSS and Michigan school improvement processes.

The Student Support Specialist is a 184 day position.

Physical Demands: 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds in supplies, which requires bending, stooping and lifting.
• The employee must be able to use a variety of instructional materials in the classroom.
• The employee must use hands and arms to manipulate objects.
• The employee must use keyboards, tools and other controls.
• The employee must sit and stand for long periods of time.
• The employee must have normal visional and hearing with or without aid.
• The employee must be able to move about assigned location unaided during the day.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• The noise level in the work environment will vary and can range from soft to loud. Often the noise level in the work environment will be moderate to loud.
• The employee is required to interact with students, staff, parents/guardians and occasionally with the public.
• At times, the employee may be directly responsible for the safety and well-being of students.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.