1:1 Support Specialist

2023- 2024 School Year

Salary Range: $40,000-$45,000/year, DOE

An invitation to all equity-driven, exceptionally organized and detail-oriented individuals who believe in the potential of all students and who want to build a school founded upon belonging, resilience, achievement, vulnerability, enthusiasm and leadership.

This position supports a 2nd Grade Male Scholar.

WHO ARE YOU?

You are passionate about maintaining and supporting seamless procedures for learning and classroom space so our scholars can learn.  You deeply believe that all scholars should be included in both academic and social experiences and you see your work as integral to realizing that vision.  You are willing to challenge yourself, your colleagues, and your scholars to realize a school where every person is known, loved, and challenged each day.

WHO ARE WE?

Being a part of the Catalyst team is a unique opportunity. We are deeply committed to achieving our mission of supporting our diverse scholars to live full lives and to succeed in college, career, and life and of finding their purpose and passion so that they can cultivate the critical hope, optimism and leadership essential to be catalysts in their community and world. Our schools are tightly-knit families where every child is known, loved, and challenged.  Our strong community is rooted in high expectations, joy and exudes our core values:

• Belonging.  We are stronger together.

• Resiliency.  What we do today is what matters most.

• Achievement.  When you succeed, we all succeed.  

• Vulnerability.  I speak my truth and I listen to yours.

• Enthusiasm.  We show our spark and bring  our hearts.  

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

of a 1:1 Support Specialist

• Assist with instructional needs for a scholar  with a broad range of needs and abilities, which include but are not limited to developmental, physical, and/or behavioral.
• Provide instruction to scholar individually or in a small group per direction of the teachers and Education Specialist.
• Implement lessons and activities planned by teachers and Education Specialists in partnership with you.
• Instruct scholar in academic activities, providing breaks, limits, and encouragement. Monitor and protect scholars through physical emergencies, perform sensory stimulation activities as assigned, and may assist scholars to perform activities during parts of the day.
• Record scholar progress on data sheets, daily log and prepare reports to assist the teacher 
• Maintain communication with the teacher, the Education Specialist and the family, collect data on scholar progress toward IEP goals and objectives, behavioral plans in addition to academic progress.
• Model positive and appropriate behavior for all scholars and demonstrate positive behavior management in accordance with that of Catalyst Public Schools.
• Assist other educators in adapting materials and activities, the use of learner specific materials, and classroom arrangement to accommodate scholars.
• Demonstrate reasonable, reliable, and regular attendance to allow for a consistent and continuous continuum of care for the scholar you support.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

of a 1:1 Support Specialist

• Embrace challenges as opportunities; demonstrate perseverance and tenacity in the face of difficulty
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Impeccable follow up and follow through
• Belief in the importance of working in a diverse, inclusive, and equity driven workplace
• Deep desire to grow and learn even when it is uncomfortable
• Collaborate with teammates and families to ensure Catalyst makes good on our mission
• Communicate clearly and effectively with scholars, families, colleagues, and team
• Demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit and embrace unforeseen challenges with enthusiasm

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience a plus
• Minimum 2 years full-time experience as a school employee  or equivalent relevant experience preferred
• Demonstrated strength in managing complex and numerous tasks
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to a team in a very dynamic, learning environment
• Demonstrated ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of extremely sensitive and private data
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a customer service orientation, and the ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, volunteers, and outside organizations
• Experienced with and able to work effectively in a multicultural work environment
• Work experience in low-income communities desired
• Knowledge of assigned developmental, behavioral, and/or physical disabilities.
• Knowledge of assigned subject areas and basic learning styles.
• Knowledge of effective instructional methods for scholars with disabilities.
• Knowledge of safe and proper methods of lifting and positioning of students.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to defuse scholar conflict and de-escalate situations.
• Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.
• Ability to use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively and collegially with staff, community and scholars, including scholars with special needs.
• Ability to walk, sit, squat, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, reach and lift to attend to the physical needs of the scholars.
• Ability to work in inclement weather.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds individually and team-lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to be sensitive to scholars who struggle to communicate their needs.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Catalyst Public Schools seeks individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to apply for this position. We believe that maximizing the diversity of our organization and recruiting a team that reflects the diversity of our scholars is good for our whole community.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Equal employment opportunity and respect in the workplace are the foundation of Catalyst Public Schools. We prohibit and do not tolerate harassment, intimidation, bullying, discriminatory, or retaliatory behavior. All aspects of your employment are based upon your personal capabilities and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex/gender (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, disability, age, military status, marital status, partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other protected class as established by federal, state, or local law.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. We provide all full time employees a full benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Do you see yourself and your passion in what you have read?

   To apply please complete a resume and cover lever and submit them to the careers tab at Catalyst Public Schools.