An Academic or Guidance Counselor provides guidance to students in elementary, middle and high schools to help them succeed academically and socially. Works with school teachers and administrators to address problems that affect student performance, and identifies resources for students and families. Helps high school students to plan academic course work and advises on the college search and application process.
Student Support Specialist
Pan American Academy Charter School
Pan American Academy Charter School - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania This job is also posted in Pan American Academy Charter School
Job Details
Job ID:
5834953
Application Deadline:
Aug 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Aug 11, 2026
Job Description
Job Title:
Student Support Specialist
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Student Support Specialist o join our K-8 school community. This vital role supports the academic, emotional, and social development of our diverse student body through comprehensive school counseling services. The Student Support Specialist will provide individual and group counseling, coordinate school-wide support initiatives, and collaborate with families and educators to promote a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed learning environment. This position aligns with our commitment to equity, wellness, and whole-child education.
What You'll Do
Provide short-term individual and group counseling to support students' academic, emotional, and behavioral development.
Respond to crisis situations with care and professionalism, including coordination of supports for students in distress.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to design and implement interventions that support student success.
Promote a positive school climate through school-wide initiatives, social-emotional learning (SEL), and behavioral support strategies.
Support the development and implementation of 504 Plans, MTSS/RTI strategies, and behavior intervention plans.
Serve as a liaison with community mental health providers and external service organizations.
Advocate for student needs with a lens of cultural responsiveness, trauma awareness, and restorative practices.
What You Bring to the Table
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, or a related human services field (Master's degree preferred)
Pennsylvania School Counselor Certification (PK-12), preferred
Strong foundation in child and adolescent development, school-based counseling practices, and SEL
Familiarity with evidence-based interventions, mental health screening tools, and referral procedures
Experience delivering trauma-informed, culturally affirming, and strength-based counseling
Excellent communication and collaboration skills for engaging with students, staff, and families
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in school mental health and education
Bilingual in Spanish, preferred
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 10 months, exempt
This position is for in-person work at our location
180 instructional days, 191 work days (new staff members work additional days for induction/orientation)
In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable
To be eligible to work for Pan American Academy Charter School, you must complete and submit background clearances and paperwork prior to your start date. We can accept clearances that are less than one year old from the date a new employee presents them to Human Resources.
You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including your spam and junk folders, for these notices.
Please note: Both prior experience and educational degree must go through a verification process for the final salary to be confirmed.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination:
Pan American Academy Charter School is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, disability, history of disability, or perceived disability. If you require assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at talent@panamcs.org or call 215-425-1212.
