Character Specialist (SY 26-27)

Mission Statement:
Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

Primary Purpose:
The purpose of the Character Specialist is to provide support to campus personnel and scholars regarding scholars' emotional intelligence, character, and conduct at their assigned Uplift Education school. This role requires deep content expertise in promoting positive student conduct by implementing research-based intervention strategies within the Network's Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) including, Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Restorative Practices. The Character Specialist coordinates and provides direct TIER I � TIER III behavioral intervention, support, and de-escalation and leads Level II & Level III conduct investigations for students with challenging or complex conduct in general education.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinates, develops, and maintains scholars conduct management programs and systems, 
  anchored in Character Education, Restorative Practices, SEL, Classroom Management, and researchbased interventions; analyzes trends, collaborates with campus leadership on school culture, and 
  provides staff training.
• Consults with the school leadership team on proactive and reactive scholar conduct strategies 
  aligned to the Code of Character, Conduct, and Support; ensures consistent documentation of 
  interventions.
• Analyzes school discipline data to drive effective intervention strategies and tiered supports for all 
  scholars.
• Assists with the development and implementation of MTSS to ensure effective conduct 
  interventions across tiers.
• Interprets and disseminates guidance from Central Management Office related to state/federal law 
  and board policy as it pertains to behavior and conduct.
• Assists/leads in Level 2 and Level 3 investigations and provides leadership with recommendations 
  for interventions and consequences.
• Serves as case manager for scholars with significant conduct challenges, coordinating supports with 
  families, staff, and service providers.
• Participates in the Student Support Team (SST) through a Response to Intervention framework and 
  monitors effectiveness of support plans.
• Consults with staff on designing and implementing scholar support plans and provides coaching for 
  classroom implementation.
• Provides professional development and support to staff and community on student behavior, 
  character development, and school culture.
• Serves as the campus champion for Character Development and Conduct, facilitating restorative 
  practices, investigations, and coaching stakeholders.
• Facilitates positive re-entry meetings with scholars, families, and staff.
• Assists scholars with reflection and restoration processes grounded in SEL and restorative practices.
• Attends ARD/IEP meetings when behavior supports or plans are needed.
• Ensures completion of PEIMS documentation to maintain state reporting compliance.
• Attends all required CMO professional development sessions and meetings. 

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned within contract hours.
• Collaborates with peers, teachers, non-instructional staff, and campus leadership.
• Actively participates as a member of the school leadership/support team.
• Complies with all network and campus routines, board policies and federal and state laws.
• Demonstrates and models professional demeanor, resourcefulness, and effective communication strategies with diverse groups.
• Works independently without day-to-day supervision, maintaining regular and punctual attendance in the workplace.
• May be asked by CMO leadership to provide network assistance outside of assigned campus.

Education, Experience, and/or Certification(s)

• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree required, concentration in a related field of study, Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or Psychology preferred.
• Experience Requirements: Required professional experience includes a deep knowledge of mental health techniques, behavior intervention, skills development, and a belief in the effectiveness of Restorative Practices, SEL, Character Development, and evidence-based intervention techniques. Classroom experience preferred.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Communication Skills: Candidates must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills; have the ability to remain calm and clear in communication while dealing with adversity and stress on the job; and be able to create and generate high-quality strategic reports and progress reports.
• Bilingual Skills: Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Technology: Candidates must be fluent in the Microsoft Office suite of tools and other technology applications required for this role.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT (REQUIRED FOR EMPLOYMENT)

As a condition of employment with Uplift Education, all instructional candidates who are not currently certified are required to apply and enroll in the Teach Us Certification Program (or an Uplift-approved alternative).

Candidates are expected to have applied to the Teach Us Certification Program at the time of offer acceptance or immediately upon receiving an offer.

Enrollment must be completed within the designated onboarding timeline. Failure to apply, enroll, or make satisfactory progress toward certification may result in delays in onboarding or impact employment eligibility.

This requirement aligns with Uplift's expectation that all instructional staff meet state certification standards or are actively progressing toward certification.

 
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and use stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employee must be able to travel to multiple school locations within the DFW area in one workday. Employee must be able to maneuver within a school building and inside a crowded classroom. Employee may be required to work outside during inclement weather for brief periods of time.
 
Work Environment: 
The environment requires close proximity to other employees, frequent interruptions, and extended periods of time viewing a computer screen, and noise levels from moderate to high. There may be activity from other employees and students of distracting nature.  The role will require occasional travel to school sites and other locations; current driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Starting Salary: $60,000

Application Procedure:
Apply online
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state or local law.