Monitor - Balance Room

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Student Support Specialist, Balance Room

Position Hours: Full-time, 40 hours weekly

Length of Term/Employment: 190 Days / At-Will

Reports to: Campus Principal

Position Mission
The Student Support Specialist for the Balance Room is responsible for providing immediate, short-term support to students who are experiencing behavioral or emotional dysregulation, requiring a brief break from the classroom environment. This role focuses on helping students self-regulate their emotions and behaviors using established techniques, facilitating their swift and successful return to the classroom within a five-minute timeframe. The specialist plays a crucial role in promoting a positive and productive learning environment by supporting student emotional well-being and responsible behavior.

Position Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or higher in education, psychology, social work, or a related field preferred.

Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with children or adolescents, preferably in an educational or behavioral support setting.

Experience with behavioral de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies preferred.
Skills:
Exceptional patience, empathy, and a calm demeanor, especially in stressful situations.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to interact effectively with students, staff, and parents.
Ability to quickly assess student emotional states and apply appropriate regulation strategies.
Excellent observational skills and attention to detail for documentation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Knowledge of positive behavior intervention supports (PBIS) principles is a plus.
Certifications:
CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or similar de-escalation training highly preferred, or willingness to complete training upon hire.

CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Student Supervision & Support:
Supervise students placed in the Balance Room, ensuring a safe, calm, and supportive environment at all times.
Engage students in conversations and activities designed to help them identify their emotions and triggers.
Guide students through de-escalation techniques and self-regulation strategies (e.g., breathing exercises, mindfulness, quiet reflection).
Facilitate the student's return to their classroom promptly, typically within five minutes, ensuring they are ready to re-engage with instruction.
2. Behavioral Intervention:
Implement consistent and positive behavioral interventions as outlined by school policy and student support plans.
Assist students in understanding the impact of their behaviors and making positive choices.
Provide immediate redirection for inappropriate behaviors in a calm and consistent manner.
3. Documentation & Communication:
Accurately document student visits to the Balance Room, including reasons for referral, interventions used, observed behaviors, and time of return.
Communicate effectively with classroom teachers, assistant principals, and other relevant school staff regarding student progress and any ongoing behavioral concerns.
Collaborate with the school's student support team (counselors, special education staff) to share observations and contribute to comprehensive student support plans.
4. Resource Management:
Maintain a well-organized and conducive Balance Room environment, ensuring access to appropriate regulation tools and materials.
Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and suggest improvements to the Balance Room process as needed.

Charter and Community Responsibilities
Uphold and promote the mission, vision, and values of Jubilee Academies
Actively support student recruitment, parent engagement, and community partnership initiatives
Maintain strong relationships with students, families, and staff to support a culture of belonging and excellence

Working Conditions
Mental Demands:
Maintain emotional control under stress
Work with frequent deadlines and interruptions

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here 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.
Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
Ability to physically intervene if necessary to ensure student safety (training provided).
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Manual dexterity to operate office equipment.

Other:
Adhere to the staff dress code.
Maintains a good working relationship with Jubilee Academies' staff
Compile, maintain, and fill all reports, records, and other documents required.
Actively stays abreast of new developments in education.