Community Support Specialist - position

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Principal, the Community Support Staff are responsible for planning and providing community-based academic, vocational, social skills, and transition experiences to meet assigned students’ needs as outlined by county curricula and as stated in the objectives of the students’ IEP. CSS works under the supervision of a certified teacher and in collaboration with the therapists, and other staff to provide individualized instruction, management of student behaviors and social skills training, and job development skills.

This position has no autonomy.

No supervisory responsibility.

• Instructional
  • Under the supervision of a certified teacher.
  • Plans and implements lessons and activities designed to address the specific strengths and needs of student(s) to meet the IEP and ITP goals and to meet curriculum guidelines.
  • Provides instructional assistance to teachers.
  • Completes educational assessments.
  • Ensures documentation meets regulation mandates, timelines, and quality.
• Therapeutic
  • In collaboration with the therapists and crisis intervention specialist.
  • Provides crisis management.
  • Assists student(s) in accessing community resources (e.g., arranging and keeping appointments).
  • Implements behavior management system.
• Transition
  • In collaboration with the transition specialist, transition coordinator and/or job coach.
  • Supports employment and career development, including:
  • Vocational assessment
  • Career exploration
  • Internship/Employment placement
  • Provides students with self-advocacy skills.
• Coordinates and provides transportation for assigned students between their places of residence, locations in the community for school-related activities, and the school site.
• Participates in site and Pathways-wide interdisciplinary staff meetings, as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED. Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Degree in special education or related field preferred (i.e., education, psychology, social work, sociology, criminology, etc.).
• 6 months experience with adolescents and knowledge of community and employment resources.
• Must have access to a working insured vehicle for Pathways use, including student transport.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

• Knowledge of all standard operating procedures, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Skill and ability to interact with students, peers, leadership, and other stakeholders in an effective and professional manner.
• Skill and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to respond to common inquiries.
• Technologically competent, including working knowledge of Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook and Google.

• Continues self-development through participation in continued education, seminars, workshops, etc.