To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

                                                                       In House Specialist

Department:              Instruction

Unit:                           Support Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate:              Grade 203   - Specific rate based on experience  

JOB SUMMARY

The person serving in this position will be a family and youth service resource. The employee will work in schools with students in need of acquiring additional skills that will help them be successful at school. The employee will also serve as a liaison between the home and school and work with parents to identify barriers and resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Works with students to develop conflict resolution skills and positive behavior including working with students with emotional impairment, as needed.
• Collaborates with teachers and parents to support positive practices at school and assists students in achieving academic and behavior goals.
• Participates in building Instructional/Intervention Strategies.
• Supports school leadership in implementing Positive Behavior Support structures within the school and social emotional learning strategies.
• Works collaboratively with school initiatives that support intervention strategies for student success.
• Serves as a liaison with parents to determine and assist in eliminating barriers to student success, including finding appropriate resources.
• Conferences with parents and classroom teachers.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Maintains accurate records/timelines of progress and services.
• Participates in professional development opportunities.
• Supports School Improvement Plans.
• Attends training after regular school hours and/or weekends, as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree or 60 hours college credit

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of PBIS.
• Knowledge of academic and behavioral strategies for struggling students.
• Knowledge of Restorative Practices or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work with diverse students and communities
• Ability to use technology for work related and student intervention sessions.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, and the public.
• Ability to relate to students.
• Ability to track and analyze student data.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in written and oral communication.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.