2025 - 2026 School Year
Bridgeport Public Schools
Human Resources Department
45 Lyon Terrace, Room 324
Bridgeport, CT 06604

STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST- ESOL

Adult Education

Job Summary:

The Student Support Specialist plays a vital role in fostering student success by providing holistic support services to adult learners. This position is responsible for triaging incoming students, identifying and addressing barriers to education, and coordinating wraparound services. The specialist will collaborate closely with the school counselor and social worker to support recruitment, retention, and student well-being. A background in social-emotional learning (SEL) or restorative practices is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Intake & Triage:

· Serve as the first point of contact for prospective and incoming adult education students.

· Conduct intake interviews to assess academic readiness, personal goals, and potential barriers to success.

· Refer students to appropriate internal and external resources based on individual needs.

Student Support & Retention:

· Provide ongoing support to current students through check-ins, and referrals to school counselor and school social worker.

· Coordinate wraparound services such as transportation, childcare, housing, mental health, and employment assistance.

· Monitor student progress and collaborate with school counselor, school social worker and instructional staff to address attendance or engagement concerns.

Collaboration & Outreach:

· Work closely with the school counselor and social worker to develop and implement student support plans.

· Participate in recruitment and orientation events to promote program enrollment.

· Build partnerships with community organizations to expand available resources for students.

Social-Emotional Learning & Restorative Practices:

· Integrate SEL strategies into student interactions to promote resilience, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

· Support the implementation of restorative practices to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

· Facilitate or co-facilitate workshops or support groups focused on life skills, conflict resolution, and personal development.

Qualifications:

· Two to five years direct service with youth, teaching or related experience required; experience working with adult learners or non-traditional students.

· Expertise in the areas of social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed practices, or restorative practices is preferred.

· Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Associates Degree required.

· Knowledge of community resources and experience in case management or student services.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions, responsibilities, qualifications, physical, and cognitive, which comprise this position. The above is intended to be a fair representation of the "typical" demands of the position. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the Superintendent.

It is the policy of the Bridgeport Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis
of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, present or past mental disorder, mental retardation, or learning ability, in any of its education programs, activities, or employment practices.