PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Student Support Specialist is responsible for supporting students as they grow to their full potential through a balanced program focusing on the intellectual, emotional, social, and personal development of the whole student. Using the Dine' cultural values as a guiding principle, all students will be encouraged, supported, and provided with support to empower them to take charge and accept responsibility for their personal and social growth. The Student Support Specialist recognizes the signs of anxiety, depression, and suicide and refers students to appropriate school-based and community services. This position also assists with direct crisis services for students.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Master's degree or equivalent in education, psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, health, or related field.
- Two years of experience in student services at the secondary or college level is preferred.
- Experience working with adolescents with knowledge and understanding of current and emerging social issues facing teenagers.
- Have an understanding and appreciation of Navajo culture, values, and beliefs.
- Excellent communication skills in both writing and speaking.
- Good human relations skills: energetic, dynamic, and creative.
- Running group experience
- Computer literate with working knowledge of standard computer platforms and educational software applications.
- Valid driver's license with safe driving record.
- Ability to work flexible hours.
- Training Required: CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogen, CFR 25
Navajo/Indian preference:
Consideration for employment will be given to Navajo, American Indian, or Alaskan Tribal members with the required documentation, including the necessary qualifications to meet the position's minimum requirements. The Navajo/Indian preference law shall apply in all aspects of the position.
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
The position is based on 220 contract days.
SUPERVISOR
Primary: Division Director of Student Life and Wellness
Secondary: Student Support Coordinator
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
General Responsibilities and Expectations:
- Support and efficiently carry out responsibilities in accordance with Navajo Preparatory School Policies and Procedures.
- Represents NPS in a manner that reflects professionalism and enhances community understanding of the program.
- Secures and protects the confidentiality of student information in
- Maintains accurate documentation and records according to HIPPA, FERPA, and BIE regulations
- Maintain excellent records documentation on school platforms, including Magnus, Toddle, and NASIS.
- Accepts direction and feedback from supervisor and follows through appropriately.
- Serve as a member of the Behavior Intervention Team Student Support Team (SST)to coordinate services. The is an interdepartmental team that utilizes a tiered intervention system to promote holistic student support and adequate care depending on students' needs or chief complaints.
- Relates and interacts with colleagues, supervisors, school staff, students, parents, and community members professionally and courteously.
- Assist with training for NPS staff on child abuse reporting (SCAN), suicide prevention, and other related behavioral/mental health training needed for school.
- Maintain involvement in school events as required by the supervisor. PTC, New Student Orientation, Hozh'o, etc.
- Performs other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as the supervisor may delegate or assign.
- Able to work evenings and weekends
- Complete monthly board report to reflect the department
- Be familiar with CFR 25 home living requirements
Student Support:
- Promote and model understanding and applying Ke' - kinship and respect for Navajo cultural values.
- Organize and promote Navajo and other Native American cultural enrichment opportunities to promote positive self-identity and use of the Navajo language.
- Assist with planning and implementing various programming and grant-sponsored activities, including suicide prevention, Natural Helpers, and other SBHC initiatives.
- Participate in the required Student Support Team (SST), NPS, and BIE training.
- Assist or provide psychoeducation, grief groups, Wellness Wednesdays, SEL wellness wheel or other designated intervention groups as designated by supervisor according to the needs of the students.
- Knowledgeable of SCAN reporting and coordinate training for staff.
- Conduct Suicide Ideation assessment per NPS policy.
- Knowledgeable on QPR and assist in crisis management and update policy with current trends.
- Assist with administration of the teen health questionnaire (THQ). Provide prevention strategies that address alcohol and chemical dependency, pregnancy, suicide, abuse, and other problems identified from the THQ.
- Triage behavioral/mental health referrals, conduct screening of students and provide support services, or referral to an outside provider
- Provide emergency transport to students if delegated
EVALUATION
It will be evaluated in accordance with the Navajo Preparatory School Board, Inc. policies and procedures.
