1.0 High School Student Services Department Chair
About the role
The Student Services Department Chair is a key member of the high school leadership team who oversees all school-wide special education, assessment, and tutoring programs. In this capacity, you will conduct strategic assessments of student/family needs on an ongoing basis; develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services to meet those needs; hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate student services staff; develop and monitor budgets; and develop and maintain school-wide policies and procedures to comply with state and federal regulations.
Responsibilities
Provide effective leadership and vision in the area of special education and related support services.
Identify a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyze the data for student-centered decision-making.
Coordinate the strategic assessment of school-wide special education needs on an ongoing basis and the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services to meet those needs.
Develop and implement an organizational structure, guidelines, and procedures for meeting all local, state, and federal regulations and reporting requirements.
Supervise the development of individual education programs for special needs students.
Aid teachers and departments in the use of both formal and informal assessment data to inform instruction and identify students in need of additional support.
Continually monitor students' progress, including overseeing screening and referral for evaluation and functioning of evaluation teams, and use it to meet the needs of individual students.
Maintain authentic, supportive relationships with students.
Work with staff and families to create a collaborative, team-based approach to student support.
Forge connections with students and families both in school and at co-curricular and community events.
Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, evaluate, and retain diverse and talented members of the Student Services department.
Coach educators in the development of growth plans that promote professional growth and student learning.
Aid department members in the handling of day-to-day problems of instructions and guidance, and act as a resource for them.
Make frequent classroom visits and engage in post-observation conversations that encourage educator reflection and continuous improvement.
Monitor and provide appropriate consultation services for the department.
Work with school leaders to design professional development sessions that support students' academic, social and emotional growth and development.
Oversee the administration of Extended School year, tutorial programs, and other school projects skillfully and efficiently.
Manage the registration, placement, and orientation programs that facilitate the smooth transition for students entering the high school.
Prioritize tasks and forge and support effective teams; create ownership through delegation and participation at all levels.
Communicate effectively, honestly, and transparently with all constituencies, including staff, parents, and community members.
Maintain the student records in an organized, accurate, and timely fashion and in accordance with student and parental rights under law.
In cooperation with the Director of Student Services and the Principal, develop and manage the high school Student Services budget, including all special education grants.
Assume other responsibilities assigned by the Director of Student Services and building Principal.
Requirements
Master’s Degree in education administration, special education or related field
Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator and Special Educator
SEI endorsement preferred
5 years of experience in K-12 education required; some leadership experience within a high school preferred
Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities
Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities and current practices/models for educational and clinical intervention; the ability to articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision
Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting integration
Familiarity with trauma-sensitive educational practices
Qualifications
Master’s Degree in education administration, special education or related field
Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator and Special Educator
SEI endorsement preferred
5 years of experience in K-12 education required; some leadership experience within a high school preferred
Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities
Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities and current practices/models for educational and clinical intervention; the ability to articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision
Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting integration
Familiarity with trauma-sensitive educational practices