The Student Support Specialist provides direct, student-centered behavioral and social-emotional support to help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally within a bilingual, international school setting. Working under the guidance of the Director of Student Support & Counseling, this role supports the implementation of student support practices across elementary grades. 

The Student Support Specialist is a hands-on practitioner who collaborates with faculty, counselors, administrators, and families to deliver targeted interventions, promote positive behavior, and contribute to an inclusive, developmentally responsive school culture.

The position reports dually to the Director of Student Support & Counseling and the Director of Elementary.

Key Responsibilities

Student Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Provide behavioral and social-emotional interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Mediate conflicts with students  through restorative practices.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, coping, problem-solving, and social skills through 1:1 or small group support.
• Implement behavior support strategies aligned with Positive Behavior Supports, restorative practices, and SEL frameworks.
• Assist with behavior monitoring, documentation, and progress tracking under the direction of the Director.
• Maintain clear, timely, and confidential documentation of student interventions, observations, and progress in accordance with school policies and applicable guidelines.

Collaboration with Faculty & Student Support Team

• Collaborate with teachers with classroom-based strategies that support diverse learners and promote positive behavior.
• Participate in Student Support Group meetings  and consult with teachers on strategies to support student behavior. 
• Support classroom management practices and proactive approaches to student wellness and engagement.

Family Partnership

• Participate in restorative, solution-focused conversations with families regarding student behavior and well-being, in collaboration with the Director and Pedagogical Leadership.
• Reinforce school-home partnerships by sharing strategies and supporting consistency across settings.

Documentation & Coordination

• Maintain accurate and confidential records related to student interventions, behavior plans, and support strategies.
• Assist in coordinating with external specialists or providers, as directed.
• Support compliance with school policies and applicable ethical and legal guidelines.
• Collaborate with external providers, teachers, and the student support group to support the implementation of student success plans.

Schoolwide Support & Culture

• Provide consistent on-site support and a visible, supportive presence throughout the school day, including during transitions and unstructured times, to promote student safety, regulation, and positive behavior.
• Model calm, respectful, and culturally responsive interactions with students.
• Provide support to students during transitions and re-entry, and assist with follow-up after behavioral incidents.Support admissions and pedagogical teams during observations or student visits, as appropriate.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; coursework or advanced training in counseling, psychology, education, social work, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience supporting the social-emotional and behavioral needs of children in elementary and / or middle school in an independent school setting.
• Training or experience in behavioral intervention, SEL, restorative practices, or related approaches.
• Experience in independent, international, or bilingual school environments preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in Italian or Spanish and English is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strong relational skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to remain calm, grounded, and reflective during moments of student dysregulation.
• Collaborative, flexible, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and whole-child development.