Pasco County Schools

Job Title: Student Support Specialist

Reports to:	District Administrator
Job Group:	Instructional

FLSA:	Exempt
Job Code:	2061
Salary Schedule:	INST

JOB GOAL

Responsible for the compliance and implementation of Exceptional Student Education (ESE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and Section 504 procedures, the provision of technical assistance, the support and training of staff, and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) compliance, as the designee of the Director of Student Support Programs and Services (SSPS).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of those in this position.

Monitor procedures to ensure compliance with District, state, and federal regulations.
Support the ESE transfer process for out-of-county and out-of-state students.
Collaborate with school personnel in determining the eligibility of ESE, ESOL, and 504 cases referred for staffing.
Support data collection and reporting in collaboration with administrators and data entry operators.
Collaborate with administrator(s) on the facilitation of student accessibility.
Collaborate and participate in problem-solving meetings.
Coordinate and collaborate with school and District personnel in the reporting of data to local, state, federal and related educational agencies.
Consult with administrators, data entry operators and registrars in maintaining and monitoring current and accurate ESE, ESOL, and Section 504 student records for compliance, and maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work.
Facilitate meetings with schools to resolve parent/guardian concerns and ensure implementation or agreed upon support and services.
Perform other duties as assigned.

ESE & Section 504:

Facilitate In-School Staffings (ISS).
Facilitate the ESE Staffing process.
Assist and support ESE personnel regarding Individual Education Plans (IEPs), assessment and matrix issues, and Section 504 plans.
Deliver school-based and or/District training on issues relative to ESE and Section 504 such as reevaluations, transfers, data entry and other issues on a regular basis.
Provide information to parents/guardians, schools, and agencies on ESE and Section 504 criteria and procedures to ensure that parents/guardians of students with disabilities (ESE and Section 504) are afforded their due process procedural safeguards in providing the delivery of a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

ESOL:

Consult with school personnel in the delivery and analysis of diagnostic assessments for determining the English language proficiency levels of students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Collaborate with school personnel in determining the eligibility English Language Learner (ELL) cases.
Review cases in preparation for determining eligibility status for ESOL services.
Assist and support personnel regarding ELL documents.
Deliver school-based and or/District training on issues relative to ESOL.
Provide information to parents/guardians, schools, and agencies on ESOL criteria and procedures to ensure that parents of students are provided a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of current trends and research in the area of assignment
Knowledge of curriculum and instructional techniques, as it applies to the area of assignment
Knowledge of related federal, state, and local rules, regulations, statutes, and policies
Ability to analyze data and use data-driven decision making to implement effective programs
Ability to read and interpret journals, articles, research studies, Florida statutes, state Board rules, and school Board policies
Knowledge of assessment systems, as it applies to the area of assignment
Ability to plan and manage projects including collaboration, coordination, and facilitation of work groups
Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to consensus
Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of Exceptional Student Education, or related field
Minimum of three years’ experience in the area of assignment
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

Student Support Specialist ESE and Section 504 employees must meet the following requirement:

Valid Florida’s Educator’s Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (ESE)

Student Support Specialist ESOL employees must meet the following requirement:

Valid Florida Educator’s Certificate

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in the field of Exceptional Student Education, or related field
Certification in Educational Leadership, School Principal or Professional School Principal
Experience with facilitation of meetings

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as light work.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.

Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.

Student Support Specialist; EST: February 21, 2023; REV: August 22, 2023; Board Approved: August 22, 2023