Though every school is different, most school interventionists help students and teachers with academics. For instance, if a student is falling behind in a subject, the interventionist can call a meeting with the student and the teacher to understand the problem and suggest a solution, such as seeing a counselor. A school interventionist can also help a student prepare his schedule to meet certain goals, such as maintaining a certain GPA, staying on a sports team or getting into a specific college.
School interventionists often help with students' behavioral issues, especially if a teacher or other faculty member feels the problem is too much for her to handle. For example, if a student is repeatedly acting up in class, the school interventionist may call a meeting with the teacher, the student and the student's parents to understand the problem and to set specific guidelines for the student to follow. If the student fails to follow these guidelines, such as being respectful to the teacher, he may be suspended or even expelled, depending on the severity of the offense.
A school interventionist may also help students deal with problems outside of the classroom, such as personal issues with peers. For example, if a student is being bullied, he may choose to speak to the school interventionist to help him solve the problem and stop the bullying. If a student is having a fight with a friend, she may choose to see the school interventionist to discuss her problem and work out a possible solution. Depending on the problem, the interventionist may call a meeting with all parties involved to give everyone a chance to tell his side of the story and to work out a solution together.
School interventionists often help students cope with family and health issues. For example, if a student's parents are going through a divorce and this is causing problems for the student academically, she may choose to discuss it with the interventionist to have someone to talk to and listen to her feelings. If a student is having a health issue, such as a long-term injury that is affecting his school work, the school interventionist can help him stay up to date on his work and talk to him about his health.