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Student Services Specialist

PLEASE POST

RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING

Position: Student Services Specialist

Location: River Valley Middle High School (Grades 6–12)
Reports To: Middle High School Principal
Compensation: Per the Negotiated Master Agreement with the River Valley Education Association

Position Overview

River Valley School District is seeking a student-centered, proactive, and skilled professional to serve as a Student Services Specialist for grades 6–12. This position focuses on both system development and the direct delivery of behavioral, emotional, and social-emotional supports. All services provided are educational and preventative in nature, not clinical therapy as defined by Michigan statute.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, integrity, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to student well-being. This role plays a central part in shaping school climate and culture through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and data-informed behavioral interventions for students in crisis or need.

This position directly supports River Valley’s mission to engage, empower, and elevate every student through positive relationships, high expectations, and inclusive systems of support. As a salaried position, it is understood that professional responsibilities may extend beyond the regular workday, including planning, data review, and coordination necessary to meet the needs of students and the school community.

Position Goals

Develop and implement best-practice, data-based systems for PBIS, SEL, Restorative Practices, and school-based behavioral health (non-therapy) interventions in consultation with administrators and student services teams
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of all student interactions, interventions, and services provided
Exercise sound judgment and discretion in maintaining student confidentiality, demonstrating an understanding that not only the content of a conversation, but also its timing, location, tone, and intended impact, contribute to its professional and ethical delivery.
Promote student mental wellness through proactive, evidence-based interventions
Provide direct support through small-group and individual lessons to build life skills, resilience, and social-emotional competencies
Co-lead the building PBIS team in partnership with the MHS Activities Director and collaborate with school leadership to foster a cohesive, positive school culture
Identify students at risk, implement tiered interventions, and refer to appropriate supports
Establish and maintain proactive, two-way communication with parents, teachers, peers, and administration from the outset

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Student Behavioral Data and Plan Coordination

Collect, organize, and monitor behavioral data to identify student needs and track progress
Facilitate and document MTSS behavioral planning meetings in coordination with the Assistant Principal
Support the implementation and ongoing review of behavior intervention plans developed by the MTSS team
Evaluate the effectiveness of behavior plans and propose adjustments based on data and student response
Maintain accurate, confidential documentation of all behavior supports

PBIS Leadership

Co-lead the 6–12 PBIS Committee with the MHS Activities Director
Facilitate committee meetings, write agendas, and maintain minutes
Monitor implementation fidelity and communicate needs to administration
Represent River Valley in PBIS networks at the county level
Promote staff engagement and assist with positive culture building
In consultation with building leadership monitor and reinforce the importance of fidelity implementation with PBIS programming.

Student Mental Health and Risk Response

Serve on the emergency response team
Respond to behavioral health emergencies during and after school hours
Conduct safety risk assessments and safety planning
Complete required forms and maintain student confidentiality

Student Support and Intervention

Lead small-group and individual support sessions focused on social-emotional learning and life skills
Deliver Tier I and Tier II lessons in SEL, Restorative Practices, and life skills
Run daily lunch support groups for identified students
Model healthy peer and workplace interactions
Use appropriate tools such as Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), time-on-task logs, and other data instruments
Implement and monitor the Check-In/Check-Out system
Provide reintegration support to students following suspension using restorative practices
Facilitate rebuilding relationships between students, peers, and staff when needed

Anti-Bullying Education and Response Support

Collaborate with the principal, assistant principal, and activities director to develop and implement anti-bullying lessons that define bullying, explain reporting procedures, and promote a safe school culture.
Help triage reported incidents to determine appropriate responses, including restorative circles or administrative referrals.
Support prevention efforts by engaging staff and students in school-wide messaging and programming.
Assist administration with surveys, including development, administration, data collection, and reporting to guide school improvement efforts.

Community Resource Coordination and Family Support

Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community organizations to ensure students and families have access to essential services, including mental health providers, housing assistance, food security programs, clothing banks, transportation services, and other local supports.
Actively build relationships with local agencies and organizations to stay current on available resources and collaborate on solutions for student and family needs.
Proactively connect families to appropriate community-based resources, ensuring clear communication and follow-through.
Support school staff in understanding available resources and how to refer students and families appropriately.
Coordinate with the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison to identify students experiencing homelessness, facilitate appropriate services, and ensure compliance with federal McKinney-Vento requirements, including immediate enrollment, transportation, and educational stability.

Professionalism and Communication

Maintain a high standard of professionalism and confidentiality
Serve as a role model for students by demonstrating respectful behavior, emotional regulation, effective communication, and a commitment to school values
Communicate clearly and proactively with all stakeholders
Make student-centered decisions and explain them with clarity and confidence
Model ethical behavior, respectful dialogue, and professional boundaries

Other Duties as Assigned

Assist with projects, events, or additional responsibilities that support the school’s mission
Provide flexible support aligned to the needs of the middle high school environment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in School Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field
Experience supporting students in grades 6–12 in behavioral, academic, or wellness-related settings
Training or willingness to be trained in suicide risk protocols and behavioral data tools
Proficiency with PBIS, SEL, MTSS, and Restorative Practices frameworks
Strong collaboration, data analysis, and progress monitoring skills
Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and student crisis response
Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building abilities
Ability to manage difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a related field
Bilingual (Spanish/English)
Experience in school-based grant writing or professional development leadership
Understanding of student mental health support pathways and referral systems
Experience with PowerSchool student data system

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply through the Red Rover Online Application System

https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/RVSD

Please upload a letter of interest, résumé, reference letters, transcripts, and any other relevant materials.

For questions, contact:
Mark Bensinger, Middle High School Principal
Phone: (517) 646-7149
Email: mbensinger@rivervalleyschools.org

Date of Posting: May 14, 2025 Deadline Date: Until Filled

The River Valley School District Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, “Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against or denied equal opportunity or access to the District’s programs, activities, or services may contact the District, 15480 Three Oaks Road, Three Oaks, MI 49128, 269-756-9541.