Support Specialist

Description

The purpose of this position is to assist in the establishment and maintenance of a safe environment for all students and staff within the school through close collaboration with School Teachers, Teacher’s Aides, Social Workers and School Administration. Must be able to enact principles of trained methodologies in order to provide emotional and environmental support for students throughout the school day. Must be aware of the whereabouts of the students at all times and be able to physically intervene using trained methods in order to reduce the risk of harm to students and/or staff in the event of unsafe behaviors.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain controlled, calm, helpful and appropriate demeanor during crisis situation and post crisis debrief. Use proper language for school setting and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and staff.
• Be familiar with and assist in implementing students’ crisis support plans, including elopement protocols.
• Remain present and available in designated work location/station during entire scheduled shift unless directed otherwise due to assignment change or crisis. Communicate location via radio and plans for coverage when temporarily unavailable.
• Assist Teachers and Teacher’s Aides in classroom during crisis situations and/or fill in for a Teacher’s Aide when staffing levels require.
• Successfully complete and maintain certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Ukeru.
• Utilize interventions prescribed by TCI, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Ukeru in order to provide emotional and environmental support for students, with the goal of reducing the likelihood of a crisis situation.
• Effectively intervene in students’ challenging behaviors using TCI and Ukeru prescribed methods to de-escalate critical situations.
• Maintain radio turned on in audible position as well as on physical person at all times.
• Communicate with Director of Student Support Services and/or Assistant Director of Student Support Services regarding crisis situations as applicable. Complete all required post-crisis documentation as required by school policy.
• Attend and participate in all required meetings, including pod, department, all staff, professional development, and debrief meetings.
• When students’ behaviors pose a danger to themselves or others, use and model TCI and Ukeru prescribed physical intervention techniques with students who are a variety of heights, weights, and strength capacities. This task may involve taking the student from a standing position to the floor; deflecting hits, kicks, and other physically aggressive acts; and moving furniture or other large, heavy objects in order to clear a space in which the student can be safely restrained.

QUALIFICATIONS: (Knowledge, Experience & Abilities)

• Must be able to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Ukeru training and maintain the required credentials.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• ISBE Certified Paraprofessional or 60 hours of college credit.
• Prior experience working with ED/BD populations.

JCFS Chicago offers an array of benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Wellness, Paid sick and vacation time, Agency holidays, Pension, 403(b), Flexible Spending Plans, and Life Insurance.

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org

JCFS Chicago is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago metropolitan area. Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, Licensed by DCFS

JCFS Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran JCFS provides a reasonable accommodation to those who need assistance in completing this application