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Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

In-school supports to prevent dropout

Student Support Specialist

Full-Time
$42k - $46k/yr
Mid
Bachelor's
Allentown, PA, USA
In Person
Social & Community ServicesCase Management & Advocacy

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.
  • A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience within public education or a community-based organization.
  • Ability to work effectively with representatives from public and private service organizations, public education, neighborhood organizations, parent groups, and local government.
  • Experience in case management and youth counseling.
  • Experience coordinating service providers, volunteers, parents, students, and school staff on site.
  • Knowledge of the local human service network and effective teen behavior modification interventions.
  • Ability to manage details and work independently.
  • Ability to work effectively in changing work environments.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including students, faculty, administration, and community groups.
  • Proficiency in standard computer programs, such as Microsoft applications.
  • Bilingual Spanish is preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Perform individual and group case management, assessment, linkage to service providers, home visitations, and follow-up to improve student attendance and academic performance and decrease behavioral incidents; document interactions with students, community providers, and families in CISDM daily.
  • Assist with supervising students in teacher-planned activities and classroom management when requested.
  • Provide the school-based team with continuous feedback regarding students’ progress, behavior, and incidents relating to their overall well-being.
  • Maintain and assist students in adhering to the designated school site's disciplinary code.
  • Record all professional contacts with students and their families in CISDM.
  • Confer regularly with the school-based team regarding students’ academic, attendance, and behavioral progress and needs.
  • Provide transitional support to students entering or leaving the program, working with guidance departments at sending schools within the school district.
  • Encourage parental involvement in project activities, prepare written event notifications, and follow up when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with school officials regarding services provided to students and their families.
  • Participate in regular supervision and team meetings as scheduled by the lead administrator or supervisor.
  • Intervene in crises and threat assessments as warranted by students and their families, and communicate with the school district during and after events as requested.
  • Provide individual and group counseling and case management for identified students.
  • Represent the organization and further its mission, goals, and programs.
  • Recommend solutions and improvements, deliver on schedules and plans, and comply with agency policies and procedures while promoting agency values and culture.
  • Provide off-hours support when needed and perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Bilingual Spanish.

About the company

C

Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania

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What does CIS of Eastern PA do? It surrounds students with a community of support inside public schools to prevent dropout and help them graduate. How does it work? Trained staff are placed in schools to work with teachers, counselors, and principals to coordinate a network of supports—school-wide, group, and individualized. Services include counseling, mentoring, tutoring, support for alternative education, after-school programs, career and college readiness, dropout reengagement, and referrals to community resources. How is it different from competitors? It integrates directly within schools through case-managed supports and a broad set of services across multiple counties, anchored in caring relationships and community partnerships to help at-risk students stay in school. What is its goal? To end the dropout epidemic and ensure every student graduates by improving attendance, reducing suspensions, and boosting academic outcomes.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Founded

1983

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • January 2026 promotions strengthened COO and grants leadership under Tim Mulligan.
  • PCCD funding plus six-school expansion signals strong demand across eastern Pennsylvania.
  • October 29, 2026 Champions for Education can unlock donors, sponsors, and board capital.

What critics are saying

  • PCCD granted $500,000 through April 2029; renewal failure cuts services to 5,800 students.
  • Expansion into six new schools strains staffing, supervision, and fundraising execution in 2026.
  • School district budget cuts or partner turnover can collapse site placements and referrals.

What makes Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania unique

  • Embedded Site Coordinators deliver case management inside Eastern Pennsylvania schools.
  • The nonprofit serves Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Delaware, and Chester counties.
  • Its Integrated Student Supports model targets attendance, behavior, mental health, and safety.

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Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

401(k) Company Match

Company News

PRLog
Jun 7th, 2023
Communities In Schools Of Eastern Pennsylvania Names 2023 Lifetime Champion Of Education Award Recipients

Dr. John Robert Lovett and wife Sandy, long-time supporters of CIS Eastern PA, will be honored with the achievement at the organization's October 40th anniversary celebration.By: Communities In Schools of Eastern PADr John Robert and Sandy LovettContactTina Hasselbusch***@socialtmarketing.comPhoto:https://www.prlog.org/ 12968310/1 Tina HasselbuschEnd-- Communities in Schools of Eastern PA (CISEasternPA)will honor Dr. John Robert (Bob) Lovett and his wife Sandy Lovett with the 2023 Lifetime Champion of Education Award on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Building Bright Futures 40th Anniversary Celebration. This award recognizes individuals for excellence in education services as well as support and collaboration with the organization.The Lovetts firmly believe in the importance and value of education and opportunities to succeed in school for children in Allentown. Their total donation to CISEasternPA over 21 years is approaching $400,000. Their continued commitment has been instrumental in keeping countless students in school and on track for graduation

PRLog
Feb 1st, 2023
Communities In Schools Of Eastern Pennsylvania Launches 40Th Anniversary Celebration

For the local affiliate, 2023 will be the year of Building Bright Futures' 40th Anniversary Campaign.By: Communities In Schools of Eastern PACoChairs Bill & Denise Spence Kathleen & JB ReillyContactTina Hasselbusch***@socialtmarketing.comPhoto:https://www.prlog.org/ 12949437/1 Tina HasselbuschEnd-- 2023 marks Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania's (CISEasternPA)40th year of providing support to the most at-risk elementary through high school students in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks Counties. The Building Brighter Futures 40th Anniversary Campaign seeks to sustain and expand its current programs, deepen relationships in the high-need school districts it serves, and cultivate new relationships with additional school districts in need.The celebration kicked off on Thursday, January 26, at Penn State Lehigh Valley, where over 130 guests of CISEasternPA helped launch the campaign."Over the past few years, new challenges for our students have emerged. Our 40th Anniversary is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the needs of our communities, and both deepen and strengthen our commitment to the students who need us most," stated Tim Mulligan, president and CEO of CISEasternPA. "Our campaign goal is to raise $750,000 this year, and I'm pleased to report the organization has already surpassed the half-million dollar threshold."Kathleen & J.B. Reilly (City Center Allentown) and Bill & Denise Spence (PPL) serve as co-chairs of the Building Bright Futures campaign. Ellen Millard-Kern, vice president for community engagement at Lehigh Valley Public Media and a CISEasternPA board member, has taken on the role of the 40th-anniversary committee chair