About this role
Applications Somerset County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a Learning Support Specialist position at Somerset Intermediate School. Summary Individual who works collaboratively with the building principal(s), school counselor(s), families, staff, students and community partners to address barriers that may affect students' academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and attendance-related success. The Learning Support Specialist coordinates and facilitates the Learning Support Team process, provides case management and intervention services, assists with Section 504 case management and compliance responsibilities, and supports the development and implementation of student interventions. The Learning Support Specialist may also develop Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) when needed to support the school's behavioral intervention process.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned by the building principal, Student Services Supervisor, Chief Officer, Superintendent, or designee.
• Coordinates and supports the Learning Support Team (LST) process and procedures, including referrals, meetings, intervention planning, documentation, data collection, progress monitoring, and follow-up.
• Provides intensive case management and support to students and families who meet the established criteria to increase academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and attendance-related success.
• Develops specific, goal-oriented, measurable student support plans based on identified needs and monitors student progress toward established goals.
• Collaborates regularly with the building principal, school counselor, student services staff, teachers, parents/caregivers, school psychologist, and other appropriate personnel to identify student needs and develop and monitor interventions.
• Provides information, referrals, resources, and follow-up services to students and families and assists in connecting families with appropriate school-based and community resources.
• Conducts home visits, when appropriate and necessary, to support student attendance, engagement, case management, family outreach, and other identified student needs in accordance with district procedures.
• Participates in local, district, interagency, and community meetings related to assigned students, programs, or Student Services responsibilities and travels as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Assists with management of 504 caseload in collaboration with the Behavior Intervention Specialist, as determined by the building principal.
• Supports Section 504 processes, which may include coordinating referrals, gathering and reviewing relevant information, scheduling and participating in meetings, communicating with parents/caregivers and staff, developing and documenting Section 504 plans, monitoring implementation, maintaining required documentation, and supporting periodic reviews and reevaluations.
• Develops or assists in developing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as assigned or needed, including when additional support is required due to Behavior Intervention Specialist caseload or workload demands.
• Supports schoolwide initiatives and activities designed to improve student engagement, attendance, behavior, school climate, and academic success.
• Attends school-related functions and provides support to the overall operation of the assigned school as appropriate.
• Participates in required professional learning, training, meetings, and workshops and maintains knowledge of district procedures and applicable requirements related to assigned responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree in social work or equivalent mental health practitioner degree with two years of work experience. A Master's degree is preferred. Previous work experience with Student Support Teams in an educational setting is preferred. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Must have a valid driver's license. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply professional materials, district policies and procedures, student records, assessment information, and other job-related documents. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional written documentation, including reports, correspondence, student support plans, Section 504 documentation, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other required records. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with students, families, school staff, administrators, community agencies, and other stakeholders. Ability to effectively present information, facilitate or participate in meetings, and respond appropriately to questions and concerns. Mathematical and Data Skills Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts and interpret student-related data. Ability to collect, organize, review, and use data to support intervention planning, progress monitoring, case management, and data-based decision making. Reasoning Ability Ability to analyze information, solve problems, exercise sound judgment, and use relevant data to identify student needs and determine appropriate supports and interventions. Computer Skills Ability to effectively use computers, district information systems, and other technology necessary to perform job responsibilities. Willingness to learn and use new technology as needed. Other Skills and Abilities Must demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of child and adolescent development, student support practices, family engagement, and case management is essential. Ability to identify student needs and make appropriate referrals for school-based and community supports. Other Qualifications Must have the ability to travel as necessary to conduct home visits and attend school, district, community, interagency, professional development, and other job-related meetings or activities. Must be able to work varied hours or schedules when necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. Must demonstrate dependability, professionalism, confidentiality, sound judgment, and effective time-management and organizational skills. 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 functions. Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.