Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist

Prodeo Academy • Columbia Heights, MN

6d • $41,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist provides direct therapeutic and counseling-related support services to students receiving special education services whose social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs impact educational access, participation, and progress. Services are delivered as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are designed to support emotional regulation, coping skills, social-emotional functioning, self-advocacy, and access to instruction within the school setting.
This role focuses on proactive, therapeutic intervention through individual support, therapeutic small groups, and collaboration with educational teams. The position is distinct from traditional school social work roles and is primarily responsible for delivering IEP-related therapeutic services and monitoring student progress toward counseling and social-emotional goals.
The Special Education Therapeutic Support Specialist works collaboratively with special education teachers, related service providers, families, administrators, and school support staff to help students successfully access and participate in their educational program in the least restrictive environment.

Requirements

• Required licensure: Licensed or eligible for licensure in Minnesota in one or more of the following areas: School Social Work, School Counseling, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), or other qualifying mental health or counseling-related licensure.
• Experience providing counseling, therapeutic intervention, or social-emotional support services to children or adolescents.
• Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and mental health interventions within educational settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary educational teams.
• Significant experience in child welfare, education or juvenile justice system (5 or more years) required.
• Knowledge of IDEA and special education related services.
• Demonstrated skill in accurate and timely documentation for social work practice.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize community resources, including multicultural resources.
• Ability to build individual relationships and facilitate group interaction.
• Excellent public relations skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse individuals, and demonstrate cultural competency.
• Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to mediate, manage conflict and perform successful negotiations.
• Strong interpersonal and cognitive skills in analysis, assessment, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
• High level of computer competency in Windows environment required, and familiarity with search engines and search technology preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, auto insurance, reliable transportation and ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with youth and/or family-based services preferred.
• Experience working within special education settings.
• Experience facilitating therapeutic groups.
• Experience supporting students with ASD, EBD, anxiety, trauma-related needs, or significant emotional/behavioral needs.
• Experience implementing trauma-informed and relationship-centered practices within schools.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively and relate comfortably with parents, children and youth with special needs and their families, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Anu Family Services staff and other key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapeutic and counseling-related support services to students receiving special education services.
• Deliver services aligned to student IEP goals, accommodations, and related service minutes.
• Support students in developing emotional regulation skills, coping strategies, self-advocacy skills, executive functioning skills, problem-solving strategies, social-emotional competencies, and behavioral replacement skills.
• Utilize evidence-based and developmentally appropriate therapeutic practices within the school setting.
• Support students whose emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs impact educational functioning and school participation.
• Plan and facilitate therapeutic small-group interventions based on student needs and IEP goals.
• Develop and implement groups focused on areas such as social skills, emotional regulation, anxiety management, coping strategies, executive functioning, peer relationships, and self-awareness and self-advocacy.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on student response and data.
• Participate as a related service provider within the special education process.
• Attend IEP meetings and contribute to present levels, goal development, service recommendations, and progress updates.
• Develop and monitor counseling-related and social-emotional IEP goals.
• Maintain documentation of service delivery and student progress in accordance with district and special education requirements.
• Collaborate with special education case managers and related service providers to ensure coordinated support for students.
• Collaborate with teachers and educational teams to support implementation of student accommodations, regulation supports, and therapeutic strategies within the classroom setting.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding emotional regulation supports, coping strategies, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional skill development, and student engagement and participation.
• Collaborate with families to support consistency between school-based therapeutic interventions and student needs.
• Work collaboratively with school psychologists, social workers, special education staff, and administrators to support student success.
• Collect and maintain data related to student progress toward IEP goals and therapeutic interventions.
• Maintain accurate service logs and documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Monitor effectiveness of interventions and make recommendations for adjustments as appropriate.
• Support teams in identifying barriers impacting student access, participation, and progress in the educational environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
• Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.
• Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.
• Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level