Job Purpose

The Student Support Aide provides direct assistance to an assigned student, supporting both academic instruction and Mental Health Day Treatment services. This role helps ensure that the student receives consistent, individualized support throughout the school day.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Align daily practice with the organization’s mission, vision, guiding principles, trauma‑informed care models, and youth‑centered treatment philosophies.
• Support the delivery of mental‑health‑related services and social‑emotional learning in collaboration with instructional and clinical team members.
• Assist with academic programming and classroom activities under the direction of the lead teacher.
• Accompany the assigned student or class on outings or field experiences when requested by school leadership.
• Assist with clerical or classroom tasks when the assigned student is absent, as directed by school leadership.
• Supervise students during daily activities such as lunch, specials, transitions, and unstructured times.
• Implement crisis‑prevention and crisis‑response strategies with fidelity to reduce or avoid physical restraints whenever possible.
• Prepare for daily responsibilities by reviewing instructional materials and student needs in advance.
• Follow safe work practices to ensure the safety of self, students, and colleagues.
• Demonstrate proficiency in basic computer skills, including word processing and navigating digital programs.
• Participate in all required trainings, which may include:
• Vehicle safety
• First Aid and CPR
• Crisis intervention
• Bloodborne pathogens
• Standards of practice
• Attend staff development sessions, team meetings, parent conferences, and other scheduled meetings as assigned.
• Work respectfully and effectively with a culturally diverse student population.
• Maintain professional appearance and conduct appropriate to daily responsibilities.
• Follow all organizational policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with children or youth with behavioral or emotional challenges is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective decision‑making abilities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in both routine and high‑stress situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with a multidisciplinary team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to participate in physical interventions when necessary, following approved crisis‑intervention methods. These interventions are infrequent but may require significant physical exertion, including safely managing a struggling youth weighing 50–250+ pounds.
• Physical actions may include kneeling on hard surfaces, bending, twisting, and maintaining holds.
• Ability to participate in therapeutic outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, or swimming.
• Ability to use a computer and keyboard with repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to move throughout the classroom, school, and community, and to sit or stand for extended periods.