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MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Therapeutic Support Specialist (TSS) has the responsibility for observing, assessing, intervening, accepting and engaging students who cannot be engaged in instruction. The TSS will apply therapeutic intervention techniques for students in need of more specialized support to facilitate interaction in a constructive and productive manner. Key responsibilities include:

+ Works with staff to establish positive student behavior by developing appropriate strategies tailored to individual students

+ Assesses students' needs and provides recommendations to clinical staff to positively affect behavior

+ Works as a contributing member of the treatment team who contributes to the creation, implementation and evaluation of treatment goals and objectives

+ Assesses and defuses crisis situations including the utilization of emergency physical interventions as necessary

+ Prepares students to successfully re-enter the classroom setting and promotes positive behavior support in the classroom

+ Collaborates with the students, their family and classroom team to complete individual safety plans

+ Uses ongoing assessments to maintain a record of student progress

+ Prepares a variety of reports and accurately completes all paperwork related to provided services in a timely manner as required by school policies and procedures

Job Qualifications

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, human services, human development or psychology: OR

+ Associate's degree in social work, counseling, human services, human development, psychology or closely related field with two years' experience working with children/adolescents in a school or therapeutic environment; OR

+ High school diploma or equivalency and four years' experience working with children/adolescents in a school or therapeutic environment

+ Ability to model and practice therapeutic interventions

+ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students and their families

+ Ability to implement a strength-based approach with students in crisis

+ Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

+ Ability to strongly advocate for students and their families

+ Ability to work compassionately with children experiencing trauma

+ Ability to complete a variety of paperwork and reports

+ Ability to handle emotionally charged situations

+ Commitment to meeting the needs of every student

+ Strong belief that every student can succeed

+ Skill and confidence in making decisions

Civil Service Title: Therapeutic Support Specialist

Job Number: 25-153