Elementary School Student Support Specialist

Role Overview

The Student Support Specialist is dedicated to providing targeted social-emotional and behavioral assistance within the Elementary School, specifically working at the grade level (Kindergarten through Grade 5). This newly established position aims to offer both proactive and responsive support to students and teachers, enhancing the teaching environment by managing behavioral challenges promptly and effectively, thereby minimizing classroom disruptions.

Each specialist acts as a steady and reliable adult presence for students, educators, and families associated with their assigned grade. This initiative forms part of a broader pilot program geared toward establishing a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) focusing on social-emotional and behavioral wellness.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct morning student check-ins to foster relationships and prepare students for a positive day start.
• Lead brief movement or exercise sessions as part of proactive regulation techniques.
• Continuously observe student well-being to identify early signs of behavioral dysregulation.
• Build trusting connections with students, particularly those exhibiting repeated behavioral challenges.
• Assist students in developing skills for self-regulation.
• Respond swiftly to teacher requests for support to maintain classroom instructional flow.
• Apply de-escalation techniques when managing behavioral incidents.
• Provide immediate behavioral coaching during transitions and unstructured periods such as recess and meals.
• Temporarily remove and calm students in a designated space, facilitating their return to learning as quickly as possible.
• Guide restorative conversations post-incident and help repair relationships among students and staff.
• Reinforce social-emotional and self-regulation skills consistent with school-wide expectations.
• Work within defined disciplinary parameters, collaborating with the Dean for critical issues and maintaining accurate records of behavior data.
• Partner closely with classroom staff to alleviate behavioral management burdens and share observational insights.
• Communicate professionally and promptly with parents about behavioral incidents and student progress, fostering home-school consistency.
• Engage in onboarding and continuous professional learning covering key behavioral support strategies and practices.
• Participate in daily team meetings with the Dean and fellow specialists, contributing to a culture focused on continuous improvement.

Professional Development and Contract Details

• Participation in structured onboarding and continuous training covering proactive behavior support, coaching, de-escalation, restorative practice, discipline protocols, and communication strategies.
• This position is a one-year initial contractual role for the 2026-27 academic year as part of a pioneering pilot program with potential role evolution linked to MTSS expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is a mandatory requirement.
• Previous experience as an Instructional or Teaching Assistant, or a similar pastoral support role within a school.
• Proven capacity to cultivate warm, supportive relationships with students while enforcing behavioral standards.
• Strong instincts for nurturing, restorative interventions, and de-escalation techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with students, teachers, and families.
• Demonstrated collaborative approach and a growth mindset.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of social-emotional learning, MTSS frameworks, or restorative models.
• Background in assisting students with a variety of behavioral and learning needs.
• Experience in international or multicultural school settings.