STUDENT PROGRAM SERVICES SPECIALIST 39700
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for obtaining, coordinating and maintaining services to students identified as
"at risk" by school personnel with the goal of keeping the student in school or getting the student back to school. An employee in this class evaluates case needs, works with both the school and community service agencies to provide needed services and coordinates student service plans for selected students in the district. This position differs from that of a School Social Worker in that the employee does not provide student counseling or group therapy services. The incumbent interviews students, families, service providers, district personnel, teachers or others concerned with the case to gather and evaluate the participant’s areas of need, services and formulation of achievable goals. The employee has responsibility for preparing monthly progress reports and program data collection. Depending on the program which the student is participating in, the incumbent will attend meetings with human service, community health service, mental health service, juvenile justice service or other community groups for the purpose of providing information relative to the needs and goals of the student. Supervision is received from a district administrative superior who allows the incumbent the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. Supervision of other staff is usually not a function of this position. Does related work as required.
Depending upon the program to which assigned, is liaison with school personnel, community based service organizations, parents/family and mental health, community health, juvenile justice or other parties to coordinate the student’s educational, emotional, social and academic development and progress.
Meets with participants/families identified as at risk by school personnel to give information about the program and its purpose and goals.
Attends meetings of service agencies, schools, and other organizations to provide information, to discuss student plans and progress or to coordinate services.
Develops a plan to have the student remain in school or return to school, to assist the participant’s work towards achievable goals, and to improve or maintain school grades.
Interviews each participant to evaluate needs.
Records attendance of program participant when necessary to program success.
Prepares progress reports for the district or other funding sources as needed.
Initiates changes and develops additional components that would improve the program’s effectiveness.
Participates in decisions of student placement, school chances, or transitioning back to school.
Initiates school and family meetings as needed to foster goals and achievements of the program.
Provides assistance in the identification and referral of students for the program.
Maintains information on community health, educational, social and/or juvenile justice programs, which may be utilized for the student’s present and future needs.
Assists in the facilitation of appropriate academic support to decrease truancy and increase attendance rates.
Attends training workshops to update and receive information pertaining to the programs.
Performs such other necessary activities in support of administration as assigned, such as data collection, analysis and maintenance, preparation of written material, assisting in planning, or participation on committees.
Good knowledge of the practices and procedures of social work and community outreach skills.
Good knowledge of resources in the community to support the needs of at risk students, children and families.
Working knowledge of the type of support services available to youth in the community.
Ability to utilize resources, and to identify and work with organizations.
Ability to work with and relate to students, their families, school staff and employees of different cultural, social and ethnic community groups in order to achieve goals.
Ability to maintain and collate data for program reports.
Ability to be empathetic and understanding of youth and adolescent emotional, physical and educational needs.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a baccalaureate degree.
06/2002 Date of Original Composition