Learning Support Specialist (Potential Learning Support Coordinator Role)

Learning Support Specialist

About Horizon Japan International School (HJIS)

Horizon Japan International School is a CIS- and WASC-accredited IB continuum school offering the PYP, MYP, and DP. Our diverse and vibrant learning community is built around our core values of Community, Respect, and Understanding. We aim to develop internationally minded learners who are caring, resilient, and prepared to contribute positively to the world.
As a school committed to inclusion, equity, and whole-child development, we seek educators who are passionate about empowering students and fostering an environment where every learner feels valued and supported.

Equal Opportunity Statement

No student or staff at HJIS will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any programme or activity on the basis of age, gender, race, religious belief, ideological beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, or disability.

Safeguarding Statement

HJIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and as an employee of HJIS, you are expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff, and all individuals are expected to uphold conduct that reflects the values and principles of our organization.

Position Overview

The Learning Support Specialist plays a key role in supporting students in Grades 6 – 12 who require additional academic, executive functioning, or learning accommodations. As the Secondary Learning Support programme is still in its early stages of development, this position offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to programme design, systems development, and inclusive practice across the division.

For the right candidate, there is potential for the role to evolve into a Learning Support Coordinator position, depending on experience, leadership capacity, and programme needs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Learning Support Specialist will:

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Intervention

• Provide direct support to students requiring academic accommodations or learning interventions.
• Assist in identifying students who may benefit from additional support through screening, data analysis, and collaboration.
• Develop and monitor individualized support plans in collaboration with teachers and families.
• Support students in building executive functioning, self-advocacy, and independent learning skills.

Collaboration & Inclusive Practice

• Work closely with subject teachers to implement accommodations and differentiation strategies.
• Support teachers in designing inclusive learning experiences aligned with IB frameworks.
• Contribute to the review and development of Inclusion Policy practices and procedures.
• Collaborate with coordinators, counselors, and leadership to ensure a holistic approach to student well-being.
  

Programme Development (Potential Leadership Pathway)

• Contribute to refining systems for documentation, monitoring, and communication within Secondary Learning Support.
• Support the development of sustainable structures for identification, intervention, and review.
• For candidates with appropriate experience, gradually assume leadership responsibilities aligned with a potential Learning Support Coordinator role.
  

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Inclusive Education, Educational Psychology, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Valid teaching certification or specialist certification in learning support.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in a secondary setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Strong understanding of differentiation, accommodations, executive functioning support, and inclusive practices.
• Familiarity with IB MYP and/or DP frameworks preferred.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural community.
• High levels of emotional resilience, adaptability, and integrity.

Complete and submit an application to Horizon Japan International School before the final filing date. Please have your resume and letter of recommendation to submit them through your application form.