Student Support Specialist Maya Angelou PCS SY 23 - 24

The Organization

Since it began operating in 1997, the See Forever Foundation's mission has been to create learning communities in lower-income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can succeed academically and socially. The Foundation operates the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools in DC, as well as the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings’ secure facility for committed youth in Laurel, MD. Our students develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change.

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

The Touchstone

At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful, and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.

Position Overview

The Student Support Specialist will serve as a support specialist, data lead, enrollment support, and school culture support as needed within their assigned grade level(s). The Student Support Specialist is required to work collaboratively with all school personnel (teachers, administrators, and support staff) to remove the barriers which prevent students from accessing instruction. Some of those barriers may include, attendance challenges, academic and instructional needs, engagement issues, lack of basic needs, and personal matters that impede their ability to have a healthy school experience. This position reports to the Principal and works closely with the School Academic Dean and Attendance Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Maintaining a comprehensive file on all students
• Working closely and collaboratively with the Academic Deans, Attendance Coordinator, Clinical Counselors, Administrative Team, Teachers, Support Staff, and school office personnel to support all students
• Aggressively monitoring and responding to truancy by calling and mailing appropriate letters to families, notifying state agencies (when relevant), and submitting truancy reports to Court Social Services
• Collaborating with core content teachers to improve student academic outcomes
• Scheduling and facilitating conferences with parents and/or community-based organizations related to students’ truancy, discipline, and academic outcomes
• Attending and actively participating in all student-related conferences, as requested
• Supporting families and students during virtual and remote learning phases
• Providing feedback concerning student progress to all stakeholders (i.e., administration, parents, etc.)
• Conducting routine home visits as part of their attendance monitoring
• Engaging in collaborative efforts with teaching faculty to help students develop healthy social and emotional outlooks that will help them succeed in class and beyond
• Implementing strategies to foster confidence and improve self-esteem in students
• Elevating attendance issues and concerns to the Attendance Coordinator, Academic Dean, and Principal

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent documentation, organizational, and communication skills (both orally and written)
• Excellent case management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• History of effectively assessing the psycho-educational needs of students and families
• Strong problem-solving and crisis intervention skills
• Capacity to formulate innovative but functional approaches to resolutions of problems and the ability to effectively convey those thoughts and approaches to various parties

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Required), Master’s degree (Preferred) in social work, education, psychology, counseling, or related field
• Experience working with opportunity youth in an academic setting
• Experience working in community-based mental health, family health/mental health, and or school setting
• Experience with computer systems and data entry (i.e., MS Word, PowerSchool, etc.) Preferred
• Valid driver's license to travel to student homes and community resources

Salary and Benefits

Our salaries are comparable to those of other public schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, student loan refinancing options, and the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.