St. Martha School in Okemos is accepting applications for Student Support Advocate. This position reports to the principal and is part-time, not to exceed 20 hours per week. The closing date to apply is Friday, July 17th.
GENERAL SUMMARY: At St. Martha Catholic School, we believe every child is uniquely created in the image and likeness of God, with gifts and talents that are meant to be nurtured, celebrated, and shared. We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and relationship-centered Student Support Advocate who is passionate about helping students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually while fostering a culture rooted in faith, virtue, belonging, and well-being.
The Student Support Advocate will serve students in Grades K–8 by providing proactive social-emotional learning opportunities, coordinating student support services, collaborating with teachers and families, and helping create an inclusive school environment where every student feels known, valued, and supported. This role will partner with faculty to strengthen school-wide initiatives focused on student wellness, virtue formation, positive relationships, and early intervention to ensure all students have the resources they need to flourish.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support and uphold the mission, vision, and Catholic identity of St. Martha Catholic School.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students and serve as a caring adult who promotes their academic, social, emotional, spiritual, and personal growth.
- Support the delivery of classroom lessons and targeted student programming focused on social-emotional learning, organization and study skills, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, responsible decision-making, resilience, digital citizenship, personal safety, and other developmentally appropriate topics.
- Serve as a resource for faculty and families by providing strategies and support that promote students' academic success, social-emotional development, positive behavior, and overall well-being.
- Collaborate with teachers, families, and school staff to identify barriers to student success.
- Develop Student Support Plans and implement appropriate accommodations, interventions, and supports
- Meet individually or in small groups with students to provide encouragement, academic coaching, goal setting, organization and study skills, problem-solving support, and guidance through academic, social, emotional, behavioral, or transitional challenges.
- Foster student self-advocacy, responsibility, resilience, and healthy decision-making skills that contribute to success in school and beyond.
- Support the school's virtue formation initiatives through Openlight Media, helping students connect faith, character, and everyday actions.
- Partner with elementary students and their families to facilitate a successful transition to middle school.
- Serve as the high school liaison by coordinating transition activities and preparing eighth-grade students for high school expectations, assessments, registration, and academic success.
- Present parent education sessions and provide resources on topics related to student development, academic success, social-emotional well-being, and digital wellness as needed.
- Support students during challenging situations and collaborate with school leadership, teachers, and families to respond appropriately in accordance with school policies and procedures.
- Maintain appropriate documentation related to student support services while respecting student privacy and following school policies.
- Participate in student support meetings, faculty meetings, school events, liturgies, and other activities that contribute to the life of the school.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen knowledge and skills in student support, child development, and best practices in education.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the principal.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Education: Bachelor's Degree required. Master's degree in School Counseling, Social Work, or a related field preferred. Valid Michigan School Counselor credential is preferred.
Experience: Minimum number of 3 years of experience required. Experience working with children and adolescents in a Catholic school setting is preferred.
Required: Valid Michigan School Counselor credential preferred. Strong understanding of the developmental, academic, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of K-8 student and the ability to support students through various stages of growth. Commitment to Catholic education and willingness to support the mission of the Church and school. Must pass a criminal background check and complete the Protecting God's Children VIRTUS program.
Physical Demands The employee is expected to work on-site in both classroom and office settings. This position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the school building as needed. Flexibility is essential, as the counselor must proactively respond to student needs, including unexpected situations and crises. Regular use of a computer, telephone, and other office equipment is required. Confidentiality and professionalism must be maintained at all times. The schedule, including days and hours worked, will be determined by the principal and will not exceed 20 hours per week.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.
