Communities In Schools - Student Support Specialist

Job Title: Student Support Specialist Status: Full Time/Exempt/11 months
Department: Programming Reports To: Director, Program Operations

SUMMARY
The Student Support Specialist is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and
management of Communities In Schools (CIS) operations at the assigned site, implementing the
CIS model of integrated student supports in compliance with CIS National accreditation
standards. This role works directly with students, families, school administrators, staff, and
community partners to improve attendance, academics, and behavior-connecting school
content to real-world experiences, fostering positive character development, and building
intrinsic motivation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program LeadershipPlanning
Build and lead a school-based support team that collaborates with school
administrators, faculty, volunteers, and community partners to implement the CIS model.
Lead the annual needs assessment process using school and district data, surveys, and
stakeholder input to identify school-wide and individual student needs.
Develop and implement an annual site support plan with measurable objectives and
procedures for delivering school-wide (Tier I), targeted (Tier II), and intensive,
individualized (Tier III) services.
Coordinate the delivery of evidence-based services aligned with Academic, Behavior,
Coursework/College/Career, and Parent Engagement (ABC3 + P) focus areas.
Monitor and adjust services regularly to maximize effectiveness and student impact.

Student SupportCase Management
Identify, support, and monitor students at moderate to high risk of dropping out,
providing targeted interventions to address attendance, academic, and behavioral
needs.
Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students through
individual and group interventions, enrichment opportunities, and life skills development.
Work with parents/guardians to strengthen home-school connections, support academic
success, and assist with career planning and post-secondary preparation.
Remove academic barriers by coordinating access to health, dental, vision, and other
critical needs resources.

Data, EvaluationReporting
Conduct regular assessments and evaluate program outcomes to measure impact.
Maintain accurate and timely student records in the CIS Student Information System
(CISDM).
Prepare annual end-of-year reports for school and affiliate leadership, contributing to
local, state, and national reporting requirements.
CollaborationProfessionalism
Maintain strong, positive relationships with school personnel, families, and community
partners.
Participate in site team meetings, staff meetings, professional development, and other
events to support student engagement and program effectiveness.
Demonstrate professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and serve as a positive role model
for youth.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required.

Education and/or Experience
Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant equivalent
experience in education, social work or related field.

Skills Requirement
Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with Google Suite, Zoom
or other virtual meeting platforms
Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and people skills
Ability to analyze and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical manuals,
and governmental regulations
Ability to write and edit reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, school
leaders, clients, and the general public, orally and in writing
Ability to speak effectively to guests, candidates or employees of the organization one on one
or in a group setting

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to
handle, feel and keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is
occasionally required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, or bend. The employee must occasionally lift
and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and
distance vision. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.

Work Environment
The position is located within the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Regular and satisfactory
attendance and punctuality are required. Regular and satisfactory performance, including
meeting all process deadlines and stated deliverables, is required. The statements contained
herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not
be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other
duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak
work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Criminal background check and pre-employment drug test required. Financial credit check and
driving record check required, if applicable.