Assistant Director, Transition Services

About the role

The Assistant Director, Transition Services Department oversees the non-instructional operations of the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Transition programs (AEDY). They provide non-instructional support and develop strategic plans for AEDY Transition programs and School District alternative education programs that transition students. They supervise non-instructional staff engaged in programmatic activities for AEDY Transition programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee contracted AEDY Transition programs; supervise school-based and central office Transition Liaisons engaged in related programmatic activities.
• Focus on using data to develop evidence-based, system-wide initiatives that: improve outcomes for students (decrease re-offense rates, ensure effective counseling and behavior modification); are responsive to the State's AEDY regulations and related interpretation changes; and foster district-wide equity in making disciplinary transfers and restorations.
• Develop policies and procedures for School District programs, contracted programs, and other internal and external entities, to ensure smooth transitions for students.
• Develop and maintain relationships with social service agencies, courts and community-based resources to assist in securing appropriate school assignments for students.
• Resolve concerns from parents, social service agencies and partners at a managerial level.
• Work closely with the Office of School Climate and Safety, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the Office of Intervention and Prevention to ensure alignment of Districtwide climate initiatives and behavioral health supports, and to ensure that students are placed in disciplinary programs and restored to regular education according to all applicable laws and guidelines.
• Provide leadership for Transition Liaisons who advocate for the full and smooth reentry of youth into traditional school settings.
• Submit end-of-year data and the District’s annual application to the State AEDY Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
• Work to ensure that AEDY programs and District schools and offices are abreast of the latest PDE regulations and maintain compliant practices across all entities.
• Develop professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators related to behavior interventions, AEDY guidelines, school climate and culture, and social-emotional development (character education).
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external stakeholders regarding District policies, procedures and initiatives.
• Participate in recommended and mandatory statewide trainings for AEDY.
• Represent the Opportunity Network Assistant Superintendent and MPG Director at internal and external meetings when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of full-time, paid, professional experience in alternative education, urban high schools or non-profits supporting at-risk youth, at least two of which have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of: the methods and techniques used in effective program planning, design and administration.
• The current methods, processes and techniques used in the implementation of program initiatives.
• Fiscal management policies and practices.
• Supervisory methods and techniques.
• Software applications used to maintain databases.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate, implement and monitor comprehensive multi-faceted programs.
• Guide and channel resources, ideas and recommendations for problem solution and program refinement.
• Plan, coordinate and direct activities of staff engaged in programmatic activities.
• Interpret all relevant District and governmental rules and regulations concerning program administration.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Pay

The salary grade is 0620, starting at $85,303.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 12-month, union-represented position (CASA).