Student Support Specialist

Austin Community College; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Florida is seeking a Student Support Specialist to assist students in becoming independent and self-sufficient. This full-time role involves collaborating with students on their developmental goals, delivering a Life Skills curriculum, and tracking student progress in a supportive environment. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a background in special education. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and may involve working variable hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in a related field is highly preferred.
• At least two years of related experience and/or training is required.
• A strong special education background, particularly at the higher education level is required.
• Experience in the field of autism and/or learning differences is highly preferred.
• Proficient with computer software for office tasks is required.
• An active Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in transition and adjustment to independent living through Life Skills curriculum.
• Collaborate closely with program staff to deliver services in other key functional areas.
• Assist with Person Centered Planning and Semi‑Annual Progress reports.
• Respond to problems, policy violations, and other issues that might arise.
• Engage students in productively exploring and connecting within the CIP and external community.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Attention to detail

Organization and prioritization

Empathy and awareness

Education

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution

Experience in special education

Tools

Computer software for office tasks

Job description

The Student Support Specialist collaborates with students to help them become well‑rounded, informed citizens who can live independent and self‑sufficient lives as well as navigate the community. The specialist may work simultaneously in multiple functional areas depending upon center requirements and individual development goals. As such, the Student Support Specialist will familiarize themselves with handbooks and other relevant job content for additional functions as they are given assignments there. The Student Support Specialist is an onsite full‑time non‑exempt position located in Melbourne, FL who reports to the Life Skills and Wellness Coordinator.

This position operates in a highly scheduled environment but may require longer hours and occasional weekend work and minimal travel as job duties demand. The Student Support Specialist position involves a low physical demand.

The College Internship Program (CIP) is a full‑year private young adult transition program for individuals 18‑26 with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences offering comprehensive and specialized services. CIP’s programs uniquely address the needs of adolescents and young adults with high‑functioning autism, ADHD, and other learning differences by providing a comprehensive curriculum, expert staffing, and a structured weekly schedule. We believe that a learning disability is a learning difference, and our expert staff understand and meet our young adults enrolled in the program where they are at. Our programs focus on the generalization of specialized skills specifically for autism and learning differences. CIP students live with a close‑knit community of peers within a supported apartment living setting and fully access the community around them. Each student’s unique needs are met individually as they prepare for success in independent living, college, and employment. CIP is the result of strategies we have developed over 40 years working with hundreds of young people who learn differently and have exceptionalities, helping develop the self‑knowledge and skills to live happy and productive lives.

All the Responsibilities We’ll Trust You With:

• Assist students in transition and adjustment to independent living through the delivery of Life Skills curriculum.
• Collaborate closely with program staff to deliver services in other key functional areas as dictated by student needs (e.g., academic, career, social, etc.).
• Assist with Person Centered Planning and Semi‑Annual Progress reports.
• Respond to problems, policy violations, and other issues that might arise and escalation as appropriate.
• Assist students in building independent living skills and other functional competencies and routines to help them achieve their goals.
• Engage students in productively exploring and connecting within the CIP and external community.
• Track coordination of student goals through their achievement in CIP programming.

Administrative Duties

• Communication with fellow staff
• Regular monitoring of student progress
• Writing or updating student reports
• Completing weekly student assessment form
• Supporting students with schedule planning and goal‑setting
• *Other Duties as Assigned

The Student Support Specialist will possess exceptional communication skills, precise attention to detail, superior organization and prioritization skills, and self‑motivation in managing tasks to completion. They will have genuine empathy and awareness of the needs and sensitivities of prospective families, students, and staff.

Your Areas of Knowledge and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in a related field is highly preferred.
• At least two years of related experience and/or training is required.
• A strong special education background, particularly at the higher education level is required.
• Experience in the field of autism and/or learning differences is highly preferred.
• Proficient with computer software for office tasks and in learning new company computer software programs is required.
• An active Driver’s License is required.

Accommodations Disabilities Act Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job position.

Affirmative Action Plan (AAP)/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

College Internship Program (CIP) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Team members may be assigned additional responsibilities as necessary.