Student Wholeness Specialist

Baltimore City Public Schools
retirement plan
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
200 East North Avenue (Show on map)
April 21, 2024
Student wholeness rooms are safe, inclusive spaces where students calm down, cultivate social and emotional learning (SEL) skills that will enable them to thrive in the classroom, and access a variety of academic, social, and emotional supports. Student wholeness rooms are expected to contribute to a more positive learning environment that promotes high academic and behavioral expectations, supports improvement in student growth and attendance, and reduces disciplinary referrals. The wholeness specialist will lead the implementation and management of the student wholeness room(s) within a school. The student wholeness specialist is a caring adult who builds strong relationships with students and then helps cultivate the five-core social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making). If students enter the room emotionallycharged, the specialist helps them to de-escalate and supports them in making a successful transition back to the classroom environment, leveraging the tools, resources, and space available within the student wholeness room. The wholeness specialist is based in a school but reports directly to the district SEL coordinator, with day-to-day oversight and guidance provided by the school principal and leadership team. The student wholeness specialist will work in close cooperation with on-site counselors, mental health support staff, teachers, administrators, and others to coordinate SEL support for students. In addition, the specialist will contribute to learning and continuous improvement by collecting, tracking, monitoring, and analyzing data trends to support school staff and administrators in understanding student needs, behaviors, referrals to and use of the room, as well as which resources are most needed and useful to students. The specialist will be instrumental in connecting students, staff, parents and community members with effective resources for cultivating social and emotional well-being. The student wholeness specialist is not a mental health service provider. If the specialist identifies a student in need of mental health support, s/he will immediately refer the student to the appropriate staff. Students facing serious mental health crises will be directed to qualified mental health staff and services, rather than to the wholeness room. Essential Functions *Supports SEL* Builds relationships with students, with a focus on those referred to the student wholeness room, develops an understanding of their support needs, and provides appropriate support. Assists students to develop awareness of and the ability to manage their behavior, including providing tools and cultivating skills for self-calming. Assists students, teachers, and fellow classmates in welcoming a student back to their assigned classroom and assists students who have been in the wholeness room to successfully transition back to the classroom Continues to build relationships with referred students by checking in with staff and students through classroom visits. Cultivates school culture and climate by supporting new and transferring student and family orientations, back-to-school nights, and other school events. *Supports Academics* Partners with classroom teachers to coordinate missed assignments for referred students. Supports teachers in identifying and integrating effective strategies for behavior management, supporting the implementation of behavior plans, where relevant *Participates in coaching, professional development & team meetings* Participates in professional learning opportunities, coaching sessions, and meetings at both the district and school levels. Attends all district-provided professional learning sessions to deepen their understanding of SEL and share best practices with other student wholeness specialists *Manages processes, operations and coordination with other staff* Collects, tracks, monitors, and analyzes data associated with student referrals to ensure effective reporting and use of data to support schoolwide SEL. Maintains log of all student, teacher, principal and family communication. Maintains detailed work log highlighting tasks performed (i.e., interventions implemented, referrals addressed/managed and other supports provided) and reports on work, as required. Meets regularly with the principal and other key staff to share trends regarding student needs, behaviors, referral and room use, as well as resource access. Participates in collaborative planning meetings, as requested, to support problem-solving and developing proactive strategies for meeting the needs of students, especially for those referred to the Student Wholeness Room. Participates in Student Support Team meetings for referred students. Serves as a member of the school's student wholeness "core team." Maintains the student wholeness room as a neat and orderly space. Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards. Maximum Salary 54209.00 Minimum Salary 43720.00 Desired Qualifications Associate's or bachelor's degree in education or social service field preferred. Evidence of equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of accreditation. Ability to assess student social and emotional well-being to support the student or refer them to appropriate staff and/or services. Ability to maintain a calm, collected presence in the face of potentially stressful, emotional, escalating, and/or challenging behaviors and situations. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with school staff, faculty, students, families, and community partners. Strong oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in the use of computer applications and ability to learn new skills associated with district- specific tools (e.g., Microsoft Office and Online Professional Learning software). Full time or Part time Full time Additional Details Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following: Completed online application Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying. Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org Baltimore City Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in its employment, programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. For inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, please contact Equal Opportunity Manager, Title IX Coordinator Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX Compliance Office 200 E. North Avenue, Room 208 Baltimore, MD 21202; 410-396-8542 (phone); 410-396-2955 (fax). This position is affiliated with the Paraprofessionals and School Related Personnel (PSRP) bargaining unit. This position is affiliated with the City Retirement Plan.