Student Support Specialist - Reading High School, Reading School District

Communities In Schools of Eastern PA; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with match

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Summer 4-day workweek

Job summary

Join Communities in Schools as a Student Support Specialist, where you'll be embedded in a school community to enhance student attendance and performance. You'll utilize best practices and creative resources to address students' needs while fostering lasting relationships with families.

This position offers full-time employment with various benefits, including comprehensive health plans and generous paid time off, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff and students.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years relevant experience in public education or community-based organization.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and coordinate services.
• Experience in case management and youth counseling.

Responsibilities

• Perform functions of case manager including individual/group management.
• Provide school-based team feedback regarding students’ progress.
• Encourage parental involvement in project activities.

Skills

Case management

Youth counseling

Bilingual in Spanish

Collaboration

Computer proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Description

You have passion for helping others. Now it’s time to bring your passion to life by joining the Communities in Schools (CIS) Team as a Student Support Specialist.

About Us and What we Offer You

CIS is more than just a program - we are a team of caring individuals, motivated and trained to do whatever it takes to keep kids coming to the classroom ready to learn and to help prepare them for the future. We are the face of trusting relationships with families. We are the face of encouragement when students need some extra help achieving their goals. We are the face of student support across our community.

As a Student Support Specialist, you’ll be the face of CIS, working inside a school as an active member of the school community. We provide you with evidence‑based best practices, and you’ll use your creativity and expertise to develop and deliver resources tailored to meet your students’ needs. And you’ll be supported by a national network of caring and dedicated professionals just like you.

At CIS, we are fully focused on equity and inclusion and believe deeply in diversity and all the fascinating characteristics that make us each unique.

Benefits and Perks

At CIS, our employees are rewarded for their motivation to support others. We offer top‑notch benefits including:

• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision, and HSA plans)
• 401(k) with discretionary company match
• Generous paid time off, plus school holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Summer 4‑day workweek

What the Job Looks Like

• Perform functions of case manager to include individual/group case management, assessment, linkage to service providers, home visitations, and additional follow up as needed to further improve student attendance, increase academic performance and/or decrease behavioral incidents. All interactions with student, community provider and/or family to be documented in CDSM on a daily basis.
• Assist, when requested, to supervise students in teacher‑planned activities and assist teacher with classroom management.
• Provide school based team with continuous feedback regarding students’ progress, behavior, and any incidents relating to students’ overall wellbeing.
• Maintain and assist students in adherence to the disciplinary code employed at the designated school site.
• Adequately record in writing all professional contacts with any student and his/her family in CSDM.
• Confer regularly with school based team regarding student progress and needs in areas of academic, attendance and behavior.
• Provide transitional support service to students who transition into and/or out of the program, working with respective guidance departments at sending school within School District.
• Encourage parental involvement in project activities; create written notification of events and follow up when appropriate.
• Collaborate with appropriate school officials regarding services provided to students and their families.
• Participate in regular supervision and team meetings as scheduled by lead administrator and/or supervisor.
• Intervene in crises/threat assessments as warranted by students and their families and provide requested communication to school district during and post event(s).
• Provide individual/group counseling and case management for identified students.
• Serve as well‑informed ambassador in furthering the CISLV mission, its goals and programs
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor and/or the Vice President of Operations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Remain mission focused and student driven.
• Be an ambassador of CIS.
• Seek and recommend solutions and improvements.
• Deliver upon schedules and plans.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures and promote agency values and culture.
• May provide off‑hours support.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned – this position is expected to evolve over time.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to manage details and work independently
• Ability to work effectively in changing work environment
• Work effectively with diverse populations, including students, faculty, administration, and community groups
• Proficient in standard computer programs (Microsoft or other applications)
• Ability to work effectively in changing work environmen
• Highest degree of personal integrity.
• Courteous, respectful, and collaborative approach.
• Personal initiative and resourcefulness.
• Top quality standards for own work
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or related field
• A minimum of 1-3 years relevant experience within public education or community‑based organization
• The ability to work effectively with a broad range of representatives from public and private service organizations, public education, neighborhood organizations, parent groups, and local government
• Experience in case management and youth counseling
• Experienced leadership for on‑site coordination of service providers, volunteers, parents, students, and school staff
• Knowledge of local human service network and effective teen behavior modification interventions
• Ability to manage details and work independently

Position Structure

• Full‑time, exempt
• Schedule may vary according to programmatic needs, events and activities
• On‑going employment in this capacity is dependent on availability of funding