Student Support Specialist

Student Support Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Student Support Specialist.

Location: Hattiesburg, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States

Division: Speech and Hearing Sciences

Position Type: Staff

Employment Status: Full Time

Pay Grade: E09

Posting Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The student support specialist at DuBard School for Language Disorders will primarily provide on-site and remote support for DuBard School students, families, and staff, including needs assessments, referrals and recommendations, and consultations for specific issues that impede the health, education, and overall development of children enrolled in the school.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assessment & Planning – Conducts interviews and needs assessments with students, families, and groups; develops plans, defines goals, measures outcomes, and makes appropriate referrals and recommendations per the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) standards.
2. Collaboration & Consultation – Works closely with families, staff, therapists, and educators; documents case updates; participates in multidisciplinary team meetings; and serves as a liaison between families, the school, and community agencies.
3. Referral & Resource Coordination – Maintains and updates resource lists for outside agencies and organizations; connects families with appropriate community services, government agencies, and organizations; and coordinates referrals, evaluations, and service plans.
4. Direct Support & Intervention – Provides counseling, crisis intervention, behavioral assessments, and social skills support; assists students, parents, and staff with challenges such as truancy, aggressive behavior, and family issues affecting school performance.
5. Program & Funding Support – Identifies needs for program development, participates in community resource meetings, represents the school at resource fairs and community outreach, and supports activities such as social events and fundraisers to strengthen services for children and families.
6. Professional Growth & Other Duties – Seeks relevant continuing education opportunities, participates in professional development, and performs other duties as assigned to support families, staff, and program goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in the field of Social Work with licensure. Three (3) to five (5) years' experience in social work or clinical experience with an interdisciplinary educational group working closely with families of children with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Excellent communication, both oral and written, and interpersonal skills for dealing with all groups of individuals including students, parents, staff, people inquiring about services, and other University personnel and departments.
• Ability to manage situations and solve problems.
• Demonstrate initiative to learn new skills and maintain thorough knowledge of techniques, procedures, and equipment pertaining to the job.
• Ability to remain empathetic and confidential when dealing with a varied group of individuals and family needs, considering race/ethnicity, culture, socio-economic levels, and other potential causes for health disparities.
• Skill in managing one's own time.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with excellent record-keeping skills.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of computers and software (such as PowerPoint, Filemaker, etc.)

About The University of Southern Mississippi: Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.