Scholar and Family Support Specialist

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated self-directed and productive members of society.

Scholar and Family Support Specialist

Department: Community & Student Affairs

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Educational Officers Association (GREOA)

Rate of Pay: According to the collective bargaining agreement

JOB SUMMARY

The primary focus of the Student and Family Support Specialist is to provide intervention for identified students assist those students in reaching proficiency and empower families to support their childrens success in school.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Work with all identified students in need of support with academics attendance and behavior.
• Assist with team approach (students family teacher specialist principal) to assess individual students needs and initiate appropriate intervention plan.
• Consult with the schools Student Support Team regarding identified students.
• Assist identified students and their families in developing problem-solving skills.
• Develop positive relationships with students staff and parents.
• Work on special afterschool projects for students.
• Participate in conferences with identified students and parents.
• Visit with identified students referred by principals for assistance and help resolve problems.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree required preferably in education criminal justice social work or human services.
• Experience working with students and families required.
• Must have reliable transportation and valid drivers license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively function as a professional team member.
• Strong organizational skills and aptitude for detail work.
• Possess a high level of communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to deal with the diversity of an urban community population.
• Ability to transport students and families when needed.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands work environment factors and mental functions described below 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns stoops climbs bends pushes pulls reaches for and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight-hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed i

ndoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to compare analyze communicate both orally and in writing in the English language copy coordinate instruct compute synthesize evaluate use interpersonal skills compile and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression height weight color religion national origin age marital status pregnancy disability veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at ( or