Position Summary:
New Position – Effective July 1, 2026
Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor, the Instructional Specialist for Student Support coordinates and supports school-based systems that promote student engagement and prevention and intervention initiatives through the effective implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and aligned practices (i.e., Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, restorative practices, peer mediation, bullying prevention and student leadership development). The incumbent of this position provides coaching, consultation and technical assistance to ensure students receive support that promotes their academic, behavioral, social-emotional and attendance success.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Coordinates and supports school-based systems that implement MTSS-aligned practices, such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices, which are aligned to district procedures, state guidelines and federal requirements;
- Provides coaching and technical assistance to schools to implement MTSS-aligned systems (i.e. PBIS, restorative practices, peer mediation, bullying prevention and student leadership development) that support student engagement and prevention and intervention initiatives;
- Provides coaching, consultation and professional development to school staff, modeling effective instructional, behavioral and restorative strategies, and supporting leadership teams in facilitating MTSS and student support practices;
- Supports schools in using data from universal screening, progress monitoring and school climate measures to analyze trends, monitor intervention effectiveness and ensure equitable access to academic, behavioral and social-emotional supports;
- Collaborates with district staff, school leaders and school teams to align student support efforts, provide technical assistance, maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, and complete documentation and reporting;
- Develops, monitors and evaluates performance measures and provides comprehensive reports and presentations;
- Ensures all public facing information is updated to include websites, brochures, forms and directories, and ensures parental awareness of established services and programs;
- Makes appropriate recommendations for research and evidence-based programs;
- Serves as a thought partner in the development of effective systems and structures for project management;
- Establishes and maintains a strong, positive working relationship with school-based and central office staff to support the implementation of student support and engagement services;
- Attends meetings at schools, local and state agencies, committees, conferences and workshops to effectively represent the department and the district; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks and tiered intervention models, universal screening tools and progress monitoring;
- Knowledge of restorative practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), student development strategies, bullying prevention, peer mediation and conflict resolution approaches;
- Knowledge of relevant federal, state and district policies and requirements related to student services and behavior and intervention strategies;
- Demonstrated competence in developing and leading staff development and coaching sessions for a variety of audiences;
- Ability to apply MTSS-aligned practices at a systems level to improve academic, behavioral, social-emotional and attendance outcomes;
- Ability to effectively present and communicate through a variety of forums, including presentations, coaching sessions, community forums and internal meetings;
- Demonstrated leadership in guiding diverse groups of people through problem-solving;
- Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple requests and competing priorities;
- Proficient use of technology with the ability to adapt to new technology quickly; and
- Effective human relations and interpersonal written and oral communications skills.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, education or a related field required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a K-12 school setting, including experience in coaching and mentoring of teachers, administrators or support staff required. Previous successful experience in Multi-tiered Systems of Support, student referral teams, restorative practices, peer mediation, bullying prevention and/or PBIS is required.
Certification:
Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Certification in restorative practices is preferred.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None.
