Community Support Specialist, Elementary

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to prepare college and career-ready students for life-long success.

OUR VISION

We are a premier district of choice that meets the diverse needs of all students by creating an inclusive community that fosters a strong sense of self-worth.

DISTRICT CULTURE

Southwest Public Schools believes in promoting a culture that embodies and fosters a collaborative approach to learning. Staff relationships are collegial collaborative and productive and all staff members are held to high professional standards. Mistakes are not seen as failures but as opportunities to learn and grow for both students and educators.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Support Specialist plays a key role in supporting students and families by connecting them to essential resources and services. Working under the supervision of a licensed or degreed professional this position helps implement support programs and promote student well-being through direct outreach resource coordination and relationship-building with families and community partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Assist in connecting students and families to resources such as food housing support clothing and community services.

• Provide basic support and encouragement to students and families in need under the direction of school-based leadership.

• Help implement character-building and behavior support initiatives at the assigned campus.

• Support classroom and campus-wide efforts to reinforce positive behavior and student engagement.

• Distribute food and clothing through school partnerships (e.g. Houston Food Bank Campus Community Closet).

• Conduct home visits to deliver resources or follow up on student attendance concerns.

• Attend student support meetings (e.g. attendance tribunal) to assist in identifying at-risk students and coordinating outreach efforts.

• Maintain organized records of family needs referrals and services provided.

• Assist with campus events workshops and family engagement activities.

• Collaborate with campus staff and community partners to support students basic needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluent

• Candidates must be able to work independently demonstrating persistence self-motivation and excellent.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Comfortable conducting home visits and engaging with families from diverse backgrounds.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into focus; judge distance (close and distant); reach with arms extended and use hands to manipulate the keyboard smart board and other classroom technology.

• Ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds including but not limited to books paper and instructional materials/supplies.

• This position requires frequent standing walking sitting bending kneeling and/or the ability to be mobile.

• Ability to travel throughout the district and city as needed by means of personal/private or public transportation in compliance with the states department of motor vehicle and/or public transportation laws.

EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to build and sustain positive collaborative relationships both internally and externally

• Knowledge of federal state and local educational goals and objectives

• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in area of responsibility

• Ability to interpret laws rules and policies

• Ability to plan and present information to a variety of audiences

• Ability to facilitate various size groups using facilitative leadership skills

• Skills in written and oral communication planning and organization

• Knowledge of current educational trends methods research and technology

• In-depth knowledge of assigned program and service area

• Ability to collect analyze and interpret data

• Ability to work independently

• Proven research and analytical skills

• Strong communication public relations and interpersonal skills

• Ability to be self-directed

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this position description. I understand the responsibilities requirements and duties expected of me. I understand this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities skills duties requirements efforts or working conditions associated with the position. While this list is intended to accurately reflect the current position the employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the position or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the employer.

I understand that I may be required to work overtime different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. I also understand that this position description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate my employment at any time and for any reason and the employer has a similar right.

Southwest Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Southwest Public Schools does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race color religion (creed) gender gender expression age national origin (ancestry) disability marital status sexual orientation or military status in any of its activities or operations.

This description describes the general responsibilities and requirements for the stated position and in no way is an exhaustive list. Southwest Public Schools maintains the right to assign or reassign responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Experience:

IC