Communities In Schools - Support Specialist

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Reporting to the VP, Operations, the Support Specialist (SS) will be responsible for leading and supporting programs and operations to enhance the efforts of Communities In Schools (CIS) of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This position will assist with CIS site implementation, leveraging partnerships, brokering services and engaging with schools, district leadership and the community. A Support Specialist plays a vital role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive academically, personally, and socially. By providing individualized support, advocacy, and resources, the Support Specialist helps students overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. The Support Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive support services to students, facilitating their academic success, personal development, and overall well-being. This position requires a strong commitment to student advocacy and a deep understanding of the challenges students may face in their academic journey. The successful candidate will have excellent communication, people and collaboration skills, business acumen, exemplary work ethic, be driven, organized, self-motivated, a skilled facilitator and problem solver. Ability to cross cultural boundaries to build and maintain strong working relationships. This position works with minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and interactive skills.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education or related field.
Three (3) years of experience in education, social work or related field.
Experience working with municipalities, school districts and/or service delivery organizations.
Experience working with diverse student population in an educational setting.
Knowledge of student development theory, counseling techniques, and crisis intervention strategies.
Experience working in data management system maintaining student data. CIS Data Management (CISDM) system preferred.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required to travel to multiple school sites, client and community visits or attending meetings at various locations as needed.
Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with Google Suite, Zoom or other virtual meeting platform.
Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and people skills.
Ability to research, 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 management, school leaders, clients, community service providers, and the general public, orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental approach to supporting students.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student support services.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
One (1) year of experience leading or mentoring other team members preferred.
Experience working in data management system maintaining student data. CIS Data Management (CISDM) system preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee the successful execution of youth initiatives, ensuring all project milestones and deliverables are met.
Serve as an advocate for students, ensuring their needs and concerns are heard and addressed by relevant stakeholders.
Connect students with appropriate resources and support services within CIS, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), and in the community. This may include academic tutoring, mental health counseling, financial aid assistance, and career guidance.
Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of program outcomes to measure the effectiveness and impact of the initiatives.
Provide one-on-one counseling and support to students facing academic, personal, or social challenges. Offer guidance and resources to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Collaborate with peers, faculty, staff, and administrators to develop and implement support programs and initiatives that promote student success and retention.
Proactively reach out to students who may be at risk of academic or personal difficulties. Offer support, encouragement, and guidance to help these students overcome challenges and stay on track.
Respond to emergency situations and crises affecting students, provide appropriate support, and connect students with appropriate resources for further assistance.
Maintain accurate records of student interactions, assessments, and referrals. Use data to track student progress, identify trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of support services.
Design, implement and partner with community organizations to coordinate programs, services and resources that will benefit prioritized students as well as the entire student population (Tier I, II, and II) within the CIS Service Delivery Model.
Lead and coordinate the delivery of evidence-based services based on best practice and risk factor research. Widely accessible services will be provided to help address identified school-wide needs or to build and reinforce student assets. Services provided should fall within the framework of Academic, Behavior Coursework and Parent Engagement (ABC + P).
Develop and deliver workshops, seminars, and training sessions on topics relevant to student success.
Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and external partners to enhance support services for students.
Provide additional organizational wide supports for new schools, new programs, coverage, training, mentorship, CIS Data Management (CISDM) system, and special projects as needed.
Deliver onsite support to the Community Resource Centers per the contract requirements.
Responsible for additional programs including but not limited to, Opportunity Youth - Carolina 100, Alumni Relations, Meck Success and CIS Charlotte Institute.
Other duties as assigned.