The Special Population Student Support Specialist is a highly effective educator who works specifically with PK-8 Title VI and McKinney-Vento eligible students at school campuses. The focus of the SPSSS is to be an additional support to school staff who assist students from special populations at school sites. The goal of the SPSSS is to ensure students are enrolled in school, attend classes regularly, have their basic needs met, manage their behavior properly and show academic and social growth. An integral part of the District’s Equity Plan, the SPSSS pushes for equitable access and inclusion, treatment, resource distribution, and opportunities to learn through their critical work.

This is a grant funded position. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with school administrators, classroom teachers, Special Populations Coordinator, and other staff to prioritize eligible students most in need of support and conduct various activities that support their academic success.
• Maintain documentation of student contacts, communications with families and supplies provided while maintaining confidentiality of vital information.
• Under the direction of Special Populations Coordinator, schedule activities at multiple school sites to support students and school staff
• Support the Special Populations Coordinator with a variety of activities, including Indian Education and McKinney Vento Summer Enrichment Programs, monthly parent meetings, enrolling students in the Indian Education Program, conducting home and shelter visits, organizing and distributing supplies to schools and families, providing referrals, and assisting with grant submission, upkeep and completion reports.
• Complete other duties as assigned by Supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Federal guidelines of Title VI and McKinney-Vento Statutes
• Unique needs of Indian Education Students and students experiencing homelessness
• Child development and Positive Behavior Interventions Support or Systems (PBIS) implementation

Skilled in:

• Effective written and verbal communication with school staff, parents, and students
• Collaborating with diverse and varied groups, including students, school staff, and district office personnel

Ability to:

• Work effectively with children, staff, and parents.
• Manage and complete large projects that occur simultaneously while prioritizing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.

Core Competencies:

* Communication                 

* High Expectations                       

* Strong Relationships                 

* Collaboration

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:        

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit.  The employee must use hands, arms and fingers to input data, handle, feel or reach; employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs. such as boxes, supplies, etc.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus, close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud and can vary in temperature. The nature of this position is fast-paced and may occasionally be thought of as stressful. Through interaction with the public and other district employees, the employee may encounter different scents.

WE ARE PHOENIX #1!

At Phoenix Elementary School District #1, we are Inspiring Every Child to Achieve, educating the future leaders of Phoenix! We’re looking for passionate people who want to shape the future to join in our mission of offering all students an excellent and equitable education. The education of our children is a shared responsibility among our community, and we encourage you to apply for the opportunity to be part of that.

Every member of our Phoenix #1 family—from our top leadership team to our bus drivers, our nutrition team to our nurses, and our teachers to our technology gurus is shaping the lives of our students every day. We also drive forward the goals of ensuring equity and excellence for all students. It’s not just our work; it is our passion!

We are a Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade school district in Phoenix, Arizona, established in 1871 as the first free public school district in Arizona. The district boundaries cover an area from 16th Street to 23^rd Avenue, and Buckeye Road to Thomas Road.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT US:

Our 14 schools are in the heart of hip Phoenix.

We are educating the future leaders of Phoenix.

We have a district-wide Equity Commitment, Statement and Plan.

We are accessible by Phoenix Light Rail.

We want you to relax and refuel with healthy vacation time.

We have University partners that offer discounted tuition.

NOTICES

The statements in this job description describe the essential function and requirements as assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Job descriptions are subject to change. Employees must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and extensive fingerprint and background check. Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity gender expression, age, or national origin is prohibited. Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.PESD1 is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Lauren Pagnotta, HR Coordinator, at (602) 257-6072 at least 3 days in advance.

This position is funded through the duration of the grant.