Position: Student Services Assistant
Department: Instructional Services
Program: Outdoor School
Reports to: Senior Program Administrator and Program Supervisor, Outdoor School
Classification: Classified
POSITION PURPOSE:
Outdoor School is a regional, overnight environmental science and community-based program serving sixth-grade students and high school Student Leaders. This position supports the inclusion of students enrolled in our regional schools and districts by meeting the educational requirements of students with specific needs while participating in our program. The role provides guidance and support for the staff who will work with students during their Outdoor School week, as well as recruits volunteers to act as individualized support for students. Each week, this position will communicate and coordinate with teachers and staff to address and prepare for the needs of incoming students at all program sites.
This position serves in a leadership capacity related to the special education curriculum, supports, and programming implemented at Outdoor School. This includes, but is not limited to, the identification of physical, cognitive, and behavioral needs in the Outdoor School setting. This role supports and coordinates the program-related compliance requirements to protect student and staff safety.
This position works in coordination with other office staff to assist in recruiting, scheduling, and data management of high school student participation. This position also supports the day-to-day operations of the Outdoor School office.
NATURE & SCOPE:
This role operates within a collaborative, student-centered framework and contributes to a culturally responsive learning environment that supports the diverse needs of all participants. It requires sound judgment and professional boundaries. This position must be able to perform complex administrative work requiring thorough knowledge of program or unit operations. Employees work independently and are expected to exercise significant decision-making, interpretation, and independent judgment.
This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations, and applicable state and federal statutes. Program Instructors and other seasonal/temporary site staff coordinate with this position during assigned coverage periods.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Implements the Outdoor School schedule and program.
- Adapts and creates programs for special needs students in the areas of personal hygiene, daily living, and academic skills to be implemented in the Outdoor School program.
- Maintains communication with the Senior Program Administrator and Program Supervisor by keeping the Senior Program Administrator and Supervisor informed in a timely manner regarding problems, issues, and concerns.
- Conducts orientation visits for students, parents, and District Personnel, when needed.
- Communicates with others using appropriate verbal and nonverbal communication.
- Follows policies of the District and procedures of the Outdoor School program.
- Recruit, train, and place specific-needs volunteers based on student support needs.
- Support the coordination of the high school leadership program with school district personnel and counselors.
- Manage, transcribe, and interpret teacher notes and support plans
- Support with entering reporting data
- Provide training, direction, feedback, and resources to staff and designated volunteers regarding special education programming, appropriate instructional techniques and methodology, and student support.
- Implements plans in accordance with applicable laws.
- Coordinates student supports and maintains timely communication with Outdoor School Leadership, Site Supervisors, nurses, program leaders, and designated staff and volunteers regarding student needs and status.
- Confer with teachers, District special education representatives, school personnel, and family members to plan and coordinate appropriate supports and staff coverage.
- Other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:
- Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives
- Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through, and student focus.
- Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.
- Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective, and collaborative manner.
- Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble, and courageous.
- Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount, as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers, and programming outcomes.
- Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Willingness to work a flexible, on-call schedule, including overnight coverage with minimal advance notice
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and to build rapport quickly when stepping into an unfamiliar site or group
- Computer skills sufficient for email, word processing, spreadsheets, and other data management systems
- Create and maintain complex records, and prepare narrative and statistical reports
- Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions regarding programming for special needs students
- Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication, leadership, and time management skills
- Valid driver's license and vehicle available for use
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, and/or Somali
- Prior experience as an Outdoor School Program Instructor or in a similar outdoor/residential youth education role
- In-depth knowledge of a wide variety of students with disabilities, including cognitive, physical, and behavioral
- Experience coordinating, training, or mentoring adult or near-adult staff (e.g., seasonal instructors, camp counselors, student leaders)
- Experience with scheduling, staffing coordination, or logistics planning in a program or event setting
- Familiarity with restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches in a youth education or residential setting
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- One year paid experience working with children and/or adolescents in an educational or recreational setting
- One year paid experience working with students with special needs.
- College coursework or experience in the area of Special Education, education, and/or individualized behavior support
- Any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job
- Experience working with children with developmental disabilities, learning, behavioral, and physical disabilities
- a valid First Aid/CPR card
- a valid Oregon Food Handlers card
- a valid drivers license and vehicle available for use on the job; experience with a residential camp
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is an in-person role in a typical office environment. Work is performed in a variety of locations ranging from the main office to our Outdoor School Sites to individual schools; it involves instruction, sitting, walking, and may require assisting special needs students with personal care and hygiene issues. Primarily indoors, but may include working outdoors in varying weather conditions and rustic terrain, and includes moderate to high noise levels.
- A combination of outdoor, dormitory/cabin, dining hall, and classroom-style settings
- Regular exposure to weather conditions, including rain, cold, heat, and uneven or wooded terrain; physical mobility across uneven surfaces is required
- Schedule may include early mornings, evenings, and weekend days depending on program and event needs
- Travel between MESD-affiliated Outdoor School sites on short notice
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods of time
- Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Vision: Visual acuity to read and interpret written and electronic information
- Dexterity: Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate objects, tools, or controls
- Hearing/speaking: Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information so others will understand
- Emotional/Psychological: Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging situations, remain empathetic and understanding towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs, handle stress and pressure effectively, and adapt to change in the workplace
The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.
This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veteran status, genetic information, or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.
Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.
