Student Advocacy Specialist for Gainesville City School System for the 2026-2027 School Year

Student Advocacy Specialist for Gainesville City School System for the 2026-2027

School Year JobID:

1414

Position Type:

Student Support Services

Date Posted:

4/3/2026

Location:

Gainesville City School District

Date Available:

07/20/2026 GAINESVILLE

CITY SCHOOLS

Student Advocacy Specialist Position Description The Gainesville City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities.

WORK LOCATION

School Board Office

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Assistant Superintendent

WORK CALENDAR

200 Day

SALARY SCHEDULE

Certified

APPROVED

(Board): April 2026

PAY GRADE:

REVISED:

SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching Learning, the Student Advocacy Specialist will coordinate efforts to identify and facilitate appropriate interventions for students with or at risk for mental health concerns; coordinate, document, evaluate, and report outcomes of tiered behavioral health training programs and materials of the district; attend information and training meetings related to school safety and student behavioral health.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 Collaborate with school-based teams using district data systems (attendance, behavior, academics, referrals, and screening) to identify students who are at risk or are experiencing concerns. 2 Work with multidisciplinary teams (admin, counselors, social workers, nurses, clinicians) to create coordinated support plans and track referrals to confirm students are receiving appropriate levels of care. 3. Facilitate a continuum of care by bridging school based and community resources for timely support including connecting students and families to appropriate resources. 4. Coordinate the development of transition and support plans for students who are returning to school from a more restrictive setting (hospital care, regional youth detention centers, alternative placement, psychiatric residential treatment facility). 5. Use a data-driven approach to monitor the effectiveness of behavioral health interventions. Report findings to district leadership and state partners as required. 6. Work with community agencies to keep an accessible reference resource detailing all local partners and contacts (United Way & Hall County Schools). 7. Coordinate, document, and evaluate a comprehensive Tier I (Universal) supports program that includes prevention and awareness initiatives such as trauma-informed practices, suicide prevention, and youth mental health activities that promote mental health and positive school climate. 8. Establish and maintain a robust system for Tier 2 (Targeted) interventions including working with schools to ensure availability of access to early interventions and small group support for students with emerging behavioral or attendance concerns. Partner with behavioral health providers and community agencies to build access to targeted services. 9. Establish and maintain a robust system for Tier 3 (Intensive) interventions that includes facilitating referrals to wraparound services, individualized plans, therapy, or teletherapy for students with chronic or severe behavioral health needs. Ensure coordination with behavioral health providers, social services, crisis response teams, CMOs' and commercial insurers' care coordinators as applicable. 10. Attend mandatory/applicable training sessions and workshops offered by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency and the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Education. 11. Collaborate with school-level safety and threat assessment teams to integrate behavioral health supports into school safety plans. 12. Provide support and expertise to ensure a comprehensive and supportive approach to the district's behavioral threat assessment process.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, a related behavioral field, or comparable experience in these fields of expertise with PSC certification. Minimum 5 years experience in school setting and experience with or awareness of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with students, families, educators, community organizations, insurance care coordinators, behavioral health providers, and state agencies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Routine physical activities associated with a typical office setting. Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, and repetitive fine motor activities. Vision, hearing, and verbal communications are essential functions of this position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Course work in data analysis, statistics, or related areas and/or experience in data-driven decision making.

REQUIRED DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function of the position. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations will be provided to afford persons with disabilities an opportunity to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees are expected to attend all required meetings as approved by the supervisor. The incumbent will adhere to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission's Code of Ethics for Educators, all Gainesville City Board of Education policies, administrative regulations, school system procedures, and all other applicable professional performance criteria. Maintenance of criminal history check is required for all employees.