Student Support Specialist
About The Position
This position combines relationship-centered case management with intensive student support and retention functions. The incumbent coordinates program operations, develops individualized success plans, manages student caseloads, conducts barrier assessments, connects youth to resources, and supports academic achievement, employment readiness, life skills development, and program completion. The role serves as a key liaison among students, instructors, John Muir Charter School staff, families, employers, and community partners. Rancho Cielo is a nonprofit organization serving underserved and at-risk youth through education, vocational training, counseling, and life skills development. In partnership with John Muir Charter School, it supports students in earning a high school diploma while preparing for career and life success. The position is non-exempt and full-time, with a pay range of $31.20–$34.00. It reports to the Student Services Director. Work takes place in offices, classrooms, workshops, outdoor campus areas, and community settings. Local travel is required, and occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The role involves regular interaction with youth who may be experiencing crisis, conflict, or significant barriers, and may involve noise, dust, heat, cold, uneven terrain, and active vocational-training environments. The employee must follow applicable safety, confidentiality, and emergency-response procedures.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, education, criminal justice, communications, liberal arts, or a related field.
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience working with at-risk youth, case management, counseling, workforce development, education, or related human services programs.
- Knowledge of advanced case management and youth development practices.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Strong leadership, organization, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work effectively with at-risk and underserved youth.
- Strong report writing, documentation, and data management skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management databases.
- Valid California driver license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, including Mandated Reporter training and other program-specific certifications.
- Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods and move throughout campus and community locations.
- Ability to walk on stairs, uneven terrain, and outdoor surfaces.
- Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically.
- Ability to drive or travel locally to off-site locations.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
- Experience coordinating programs, managing outcomes, and building community partnerships.
Responsibilities
- Maintain a student caseload and provide intensive case management and coaching.
- Conduct intake assessments, develop individualized success plans, and monitor progress toward educational, employment, and personal goals.
- Coordinate program activities, student services, recruitment efforts, workshops, trainings, field trips, and special events.
- Facilitate multidisciplinary team meetings and implement intervention strategies.
- Identify barriers to success and connect students with housing, transportation, healthcare, mental health, legal, and workforce resources.
- Track attendance, retention, academic performance, and program outcomes.
- Accompany students to appointments, court hearings, and community resource meetings when approved.
- Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and ongoing student advocacy.
- Develop students’ employment readiness skills, including resumes, applications, interviewing, workplace professionalism, and career planning.
- Maintain accurate case notes, grant documentation, reports, and data entry.
- Build and maintain partnerships with employers, schools, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements, grant regulations, and organizational policies.
- Assist with afterschool programming and other student engagement activities.
- Supervise volunteers, interns, and assigned staff as needed.
- Participate in professional development and maintain required certifications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
