Student Support Specialist - Alabama Staffing : Job Details

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the worlds most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and multidisabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 32,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Position: Student Support Specialist

Reports to: Student Life Director

Position Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or Human Service field.
• Valid Drivers License.
• Sign language proficiency level of INTERMEDIATE is required upon hire according to the AIDB evaluation system.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Leads work on best practices in behavior management strategies including but not limited to Restorative Practices in working with students; and creates, designs, and leads professional development for Student Life on these identified strategies.
• Coordinates student discipline system for ASD, in collaboration with Academic directors and Student Life personnel.
• Work with teachers/staff to ensure that reports and discipline situations are addressed in a proper and timely manner. Ensure all disciplinary actions are approved by Directors or Principal.
• Coordinates the PBIS system for ASD in collaboration with Academic directors and Student Life Director.
• Sign language proficiency of INTERMEDIATE PLUS must be obtained within the first 24 months of employment. ADVANCED must be obtained within the first thirty-six (36) months of employment.
• Must obtain an Alabama School Bus drivers license within the first twenty-four (24) months of employment.
• Must work flexible hours including days, evenings and weekends. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and ASL.
• Maintain contact and consultations with counselors, parents, residence staff, and academic staff regarding concerns with particular students.
• Conduct age appropriate educational programs for students in the school related to life skills, social, and emotional development.
• Provide educational resources for dorm staff to use with students.
• Act as a liaison between student development and academic departments.
• Attend scheduled meetings with student development, dorm and academic staff.
• Meet/consult regularly with counselors/psychologists.
• Provide transportation services for students as needed.
• Conduct home and off-site visits as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Behavior Specialist and Adjustment Specialist to support students with behavioral management needs, especially those on Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Provide proactive redirection and positive reinforcement strategies to students to help prevent escalation, reduce disruptive behaviors, and promote self-regulation.
• Work with the Adjustment Specialist to facilitate communication between academic and student life departments regarding student behavior, ensuring consistent support and progress monitoring.
• Assist in implementing individualized behavioral strategies based on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and IEP goals.
• Support students in making appropriate choices in both classroom and dormitory environments.
• Serve as a mentor or intervention specialist, meeting regularly with assigned students to build positive relationships and encourage growth in behavior, attendance, and academic focus.
• Monitor and report student progress and incidents to administrators, Behavior Specialists, and other relevant staff.
• Participate in team meetings, including IEP and Wraparound, to provide insight on student behavior and contribute to planning.
• Assist in de-escalation and crisis management when needed, following school safety protocols.
• Help facilitate restorative practices and resolution meetings between students and staff following behavioral incidents.
• Maintain detailed records and documentation of behavioral interventions, student progress, and communication logs.
• Engage in regular training on trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and behavior management best practices.
• Promote and model positive school culture and serve as a visible, supportive presence in hallways, classrooms, lunchrooms, and during student transitions.
• Counsel with individual students and/or groups.
• Provide student support during ASD Camp.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Coaching responsibilities may accompany this position or be posted separately depending on school needs and candidate qualifications.
• Upon being offered employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB.

Mandatory Annual Training:

• Behavior Management recertification
• CPR - every 2 years
• Blood Borne Pathogens
• Using an AED
• Mandatory Reporting - DHR Policy and Procedure Review
• Jason Flatt Act

Benefits:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Alabama State TRS Retirement
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Paid Time Off
• Onsite Daycare

Salary: $46,679 - $62,270 Scale D2 Rank 54 (197 Days)

Monthly Payroll Direct deposit is required.

Deadline for Application: September 30, 2025