Student Development Specialist

Highfive GPS Student Development Specialist Position Summary Highfive is seeking mission driven individuals who have a passion for supporting students in difficult behavioral circumstances. The Student Development Specialist and Assistant roles provide direct, trauma-informed therapeutic and academic support to students within Highfive’s GPS Program classroom setting . They play a crucial role in bridging academic instruction with emotional and behavioral support, fostering a safe and restorative learning environment. Highfive is contracted by Appoquinimink School District to run GPS (Growth, Progress, Support), which is a 25-Day In-School Alternative Program. These individuals will ensure high-quality, data-driven, compliant, and student-centered services for students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Multiple full-time and part-time roles are available. Reports to: Executive Program Director Direct Reports: None Role Types Available: Full-Time (Salary) and Part-Time 29 hours per week maximum (Hourly): Term: 12 months, option to continue Location: Appoquinimink School District - Middletown, DE (Openings are available at both Middletown High and Odessa High School) Growth, Purpose, Success (GPS) Program Summary: The 25-Day Program is a Highfive-designed program that creates a time-limited, goal-oriented, intensive, and specialized therapeutic and behavioral-focused setting. In this classroom we help students build the skills they need to feel safe, focused, and ready to transition for success. We work closely with families and the school to support each step. This is not a punishment. It is a Leadership Academy for students who need additional support. Our goal is Agency. We prepare each student for successful reintegration into their home classrooms , equipped with the skills to significantly improve their behavior Key Responsibilities: 1. Direct Student Support: Assist with delivering/facilitating academic instruction, providing individualized academic and social-emotional instruction and support aligned with students' home school curriculum and personalized learning plans. Implement individualized behavior support plans and therapeutic interventions. Facilitate group activities, including daily circles and mindfulness exercises. Provide real-time progress monitoring and coaching for each student throughout the day. Model and co-regulate with students, reinforcing emotional safety and self-regulation strategies. 2. Therapeutic Intervention Implementation: Support the implementation of Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) through collaborative problem-solving conversations with students. Integrate DBT-informed skills training (e.g., mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness) into daily interactions and lessons. Utilize and guide students in "Calm Down Corners" or "Zones of Regulation." Lead daily Highfive 25-day curriculum Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons and facilitate behavior reflections. Apply restorative justice techniques when conflicts or rule violations occur, focusing on repairing harm and building accountability. 3. Collaboration & Communication: Actively participate in regular Highfive staff meetings to review student cases and share feedback. Collaborate with the Program Director, Program Case Manager, and site staff to ensure IEP/504 accommodations, progress monitoring, entrance/exit criteria, inclusion/transition plans are met. Engage with families through daily communication and support the implementation of home-based strategies. Work closely with the Program Director and other team members to ensure consistent application of the Highfive model 4. School-wide Community Engagement: Collaborate with teachers to support academic growth and strengthen staff–student relationships. Partner with administrators and staff to create a comprehensive student support network within the school. Participate in school events and activities to foster a strong sense of community and connection with students. Logistics: Full-time role: Working hours follow the regular school day schedule of the assigned school site within the School District. This position is 12-month and the Appoquinimink School District annual calendar is followed. Highfive provides 15 PTO days in addition to district holidays and breaks including winter and spring break. Part-time role: Working hours will be determined to meet the needs of the program and the school site, with a maximum of 29 hours per week. This is a non-benefited role. Both roles may require flexible scheduling to attend meetings before or after school, professional development, or support critical student needs. Laptop will be provided by the School District. Qualifications: A Delaware para-professional certification is a minimum criteria, along with ideally 3+ years of experience in an educational or therapeutic support role. Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care and restorative practices. Experience working with students in need of intensive behavioral and emotional support. Ability to implement academic and therapeutic interventions effectively. Ability to collect academic and behavioral data and to report data in a time sensitive manner. Strong communication, empathy, and relationship-building skills. Capacity to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Work Environment & Expectations This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong interpersonal skills and professional judgment. We expect the candidate to uphold Highfive values and represent the company positively, to engage in staff and student professionally, and to collaborate as needed for the highest likelihood of student outcomes. This role requires the ability to develop and maintain a classroom centered around belonging, inclusion, safety, and student wellbeing. If you’re interested in this role, please send your resume and cover letter to brynn@highfive.school Work Location: In person