Safe & Supportive School Specialist

Primary Purpose:

Provide professional development, technical assistance, and support services under the safe and supportive schools program and the Texas School Safety Center that support Region 16 ESC’s core purpose and strategic goals.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Certification from any of the following:
• Teaching certification OR
• Counseling certification OR
• Admin certification OR
• Advanced certification/specialized training

Skills

• Emergency management or crisis team management experience preferred
• Proficiency in behavioral de-escalation techniques preferred
• Demonstrated ability to relate well with others
• Self-motivated and customer service oriented with strong public/human relations, planning and organizational skills
• Strong problem-solving skills required
• Strong communication skills required

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent districtwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular In-House required attendance/days at Region 16 is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provides training, technical assistance, and support with Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), Standard Response Protocol (SRP), Standard Reunification Method (SRM), National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System, School Safety Teams, and Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams for districts
• Helps assist in school safety 3-year audit support and service for districts
• Provides Technical Assistance on Sentinel
• Assist in leading partnership with the JED Foundation
• Provides Technical Assistance with School Safety Grants
• Assists/conducts IDA’s when needed
• Helps facilitate training with TEA and TxSSC
• Helps assist in coordination of School Safety Expo
• Assists in implementation and training of all Title IV Part A compliance trainings
• Assists districts with completing and responding to audits for the Gun-Free Schools Report, Unsafe School Choice Option Report, Title IV Application/Compliance/Audit, TxSSC District Audit Report (DAR), TEA SSSP Survey, and other local, state, and federal reports as required
• Provides or coordinates training, technical assistance, and support as needed for school districts regarding drug/violence prevention/intervention, safety prevention/mitigation, and creation and improvement of school climate by assisting in the development of educational programs appropriate for their needs.
• Maintains knowledge and skills in the area of school safety and mental health by engaging in ongoing professional development
• Remains informed of any changes in state and federal rules, regulations, and policies related to school safety and mental health
• Helps lead the Region 16 Crisis Response Team in responding to district requests for group intervention in psychological recovery from crisis/traumatic events
• Performs additional duties as required
• Travels as a part of job responsibilities
• Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the service area director A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly
• Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
• Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region
• Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
• Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
• Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
• Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by
• Performs other duties as assigned