SAFE Learning Support Specialist

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:
TRECA Digital Academy (TDA) is a free, public alternative to traditional schooling that utilizes 21st-century technology. TDA provides students with computer technology, allowing them to progress at their own pace. The goal of this position is to help TDA and its Student Assistance & Family Engagement department (SAFE) reduce barriers to learning in an effort to increase participation, progress, retention, and academic achievement. SAFE Specialists assist teachers, students, and families by working directly with students, parents, and communities.

The SAFE Specialist is compassionate with children, organized, and handles stress effectively. The position requires a great deal of interpersonal skills in high stress environments. The SAFE Specialist assists administration in providing effective and efficient services to TDA.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
● Work with teachers and TDA staff to identify high-risk students.
● Engage students and parents in compliance with their learning plans in regards to attendance, participation, progress, and achievement of learning goals.
● Monitor, communicate, and track students/families identified and referred to SAFE as part of processes conducted by TDA teachers and office staff.
● Assist in increasing student/parent engagement/involvement with TDA staff, teachers, and programs.
● Engage parents/families in identifying and assessing student/family needs that may be serving as barriers to learning and teaching.
● Provide information and referral service to outside agencies and community groups when necessary.
● Send prevention and community education and resource information alerts to teachers, students, and parents.
● Identify students with excessive absences, working as needed with local juvenile courts, filing truancy and attending hearings.
● Follow up and monitor progress of students to ensure that necessary tools are being used to improve academic performance.
● Utilize SAFE online resources, telephone, email, text, and webchat systems for communicating with students and parents.
● Network and build relationships with TDA teachers, staff, and community groups on behalf of students and families.
● Plan and coordinate services and/or activities delivered to or on behalf of a student/family.
● Serve on Student Assistance Teams on behalf or in conjunction with TDA staff, teachers, students, and families.
● Serve as liaison between TDA staff, teacher, student, family, and/or local community agencies and service providers when needed and/or deemed appropriate or necessary.
● Attend meetings and/or training sessions on behalf of TRECA-SAFE Program and the students and families identified and/or referred for services.
● Maintain tracking logs, written reports, and/or anecdotal notes on students and families utilizing TDA equipment, forms, and/or tools.
● Keep confidential records and sensitive materials dealing with student information and special needs.
● Participate in confidential Individual Education Plans as requested by Special Needs Coordinator or the SAFE Coordinator.
● Participate in state and federal testing preparation & onsite administration.
● Attend online and face-to-face meetings and events as required, including Graduation.
● Interface daily with all required organizational communication systems
● Assist with state testing as needed
● Assist with summer school as needed
● Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
● Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field
● Must reside in Ohio
● Experience working with high-risk student populations
● Preferred training in the area of individual psycho-social or family related disturbances
● An understanding of the TRECA and TDA environment
● Technological proficiency, including general use of student information systems and databases
● Home high-speed Internet access
● Willingness to maintain a valid driver’s license and State of Ohio Substitute Teacher License
● Willingness to undergo background checks including BCI and FBI reports
● Willingness to complete home visits, as well as a willingness to involve any and all necessary community resources, including court intervention
● Ability to show compassion and collaborate with multiple teams
● Ability to work successfully with truant and at risk children and families
● Ability to work well in stressful situations
● Knowledge and training in intervention, mediation, and counseling
● Ability to screen, identify, assess, and create plans to reduce barriers to learning
● High degree of flexibility, organization, and self-motivation
● Ability to work successfully from a regional office environment
● Is discreet and recognizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality when handling or conveying information obtained in work setting