Student Support Assistant

# Student Support Assistant Hertel Campus - Buffalo, NY 14207## Overview Salary Range $30,000.00 - $35,000.00 Salary/year Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education  Level High School Diploma or GEDTravel Percentage None Category Instructional ## Student Support Assistant

Job Description:

Student Support Assistant School:
Elmwood Village Charter School (EVCS)

Location:

Buffalo, NY (Hertel Campus)
Status:
Full-Time / Exempt 10.5 months

Reports to:

Building Principal Salary Range:  $30,000-$35,000 ### About Elmwood Village Charter School The Elmwood Village Charter Schools provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment that recognizes student capability, fosters their connectedness to their immediate and broader communities, and offers them ways to contribute to school life. EVCS believes that all students can and will learn at high levels when provided with the right learning conditions.###

The Role The Student Support Assistant is a vital resource dedicated to helping students navigate emotional regulation, resolve conflicts, and manage stress so they can return to the classroom ready to learn. Operating out of our dedicated "Wellness Space" this individual provides a welcoming, trauma-informed environment. Rather than serving as a traditional disciplinarian, you will act as a coach—guiding students through restorative practices, mindfulness techniques, and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies in close collaboration with our Student Life Coordinator, School Counselors, and Behavior Intervention Coach.

This is a great entry-level opportunity for someone looking to gain excellent experience, receive professional development, and grow in an organization that is deeply committed to supporting students to reach their full potential.  ##

Key Responsibilities ### Direct Student Support & Emotional Regulation
* Manage the Wellness Space:
Maintain a calm, structured, and welcoming environment equipped with sensory and self-regulation tools for students needing a temporary break from the classroom.
* De-escalation &

Coaching:

Provide immediate, empathetic support to students experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or anxiety, helping them utilize co-regulation and self-soothing techniques.
* Restorative Problem Solving:
Guide students through conflict resolution and restorative conversations with peers or staff, helping them take personal responsibility and mend relationships.
* Re-entry Support:
Ensure a smooth, positive transition for students returning to their academic environments after a wellness break.### Program Implementation & Collaboration
* Responsive Classroom Alignment:
Infuse Responsive Classroom principles into all interactions, reinforcing school-wide expectations, positive community building, and student autonomy.
* Team

Collaboration:

Partner daily with classroom teachers, instructional assistants, special education staff, and the school counselor/social worker to help implement individual student behavior support plans.
* Small-Group Facilitation:
Lead or co-facilitate small-group activities centered on explicit SEL concepts, such as growth mindset, communication skills, and personal responsibility.
* Data & Documentation:
Keep accurate, confidential logs of student visits to the Wellness Space to help the Student Support Team identify trends and proactively adjust tier-support systems.### Community & Whole-Child Engagement
* Culture Building:
Actively participate in or support daily Morning Meetings, middle school Advisories, and monthly student-led Whole School Morning Meetings to build deep connectedness.
* Recess & Community Support:
Provide a proactive wellness presence during unstructured times like recess and lunch, helping model positive social interactions and preventing conflicts before they arise.## Qualifications Qualifications & Competencies

* Education:

Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related field preferred.

* Experience:

Minimum of 1–2 years working with school-aged children (K-8) in a school, counseling, after-school, or community-based youth development setting.
* Mindset: A deep, visible commitment to trauma-informed care, restorative justice practices, and a "whole-child" approach to education.
* De-escalation

Skills:

Proven ability to remain calm, patient, and grounded during student emotional outbursts or behavioral crises.
* Communication:
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate fluidly with diverse families, instructional staff, and administration.
* Knowledge Base:
Familiarity with the Responsive Classroom approach or a strong willingness to undergo training. Understanding of the specific community strengths and challenges within the city of Buffalo is a major plus.## Benefits & Perks
* Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages
* Retirement plan
* Paid time off
* Professional development and growth opportunities
* A supportive, team-oriented, and…