Director Of Student Support Services

Position: Director of Student Support Services

About IDEA

IDEA Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. serves approximately 320 students in Grades 9-12. Our unique program prepares students for both college and careers. In addition to offering college preparatory courses, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment options, we also provide students with a variety of options for career technical education. All students at IDEA complete a career program of study. We currently offer the following career programs: child development, construction, computer science, culinary arts, and hospitality and tourism. We are considering several new programs for School Year 2024-2025, including business management and cosmetology. Our school is located in the historic Deanwood neighborhood in Northeast Washington, D.C. We are proud to continue the tradition of educating the next generation of leaders in our community, and we are excited to bring in new talent to help us achieve our school’s mission.

IDEA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.

Position Overview:

The Director of Student Support Services will manage the delivery of comprehensive Student Support Services, including special education and clinical services. This individual will oversee the special education program, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and will coordinate clinical services to support students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs. The Director will collaborate with administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes the academic success and well-being of all students.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and supervision for the special education program, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.

• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• Coordinate the evaluation, identification, and placement of Students with disabilities, and oversee the provision of appropriate accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction to meet their educational needs.

• Collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, and support staff to promote the inclusion of Students with disabilities in the general education curriculum and classroom activities.

• Oversee the provision of clinical services, including counseling, mental health support, and behavior intervention services, to address students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives to promote a positive school climate, prevent bullying and harassment, and support students' social-emotional development.

• Provide training and professional development for school staff on topics related to special education, mental health, and behavior management, and support the implementation of evidence-based practices.

• Serve as a liaison between the school, parents, community agencies, and outside providers to coordinate services and support for students with disabilities and mental health needs.

• Collaborate with school administrators to allocate resources and prioritize initiatives to support student success and well-being.

• Stay current with research, trends, and best practices in special education, mental health, and Student Support Services, and use this knowledge to inform decision-making and program development.

Required Social-Emotional Competencies:
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• Demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions effectively.
• Exhibits empathy and understanding towards others, fostering positive relationships and a supportive work environment.
• Maintains composure under pressure and handles conflicts or challenging situations with tact and emotional maturity.

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• Works collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and stakeholders to achieve common goals and foster a sense of unity.
• Actively listens to others, values diverse perspectives, and encourages open dialogue.
• Builds effective teams, delegates tasks appropriately, and promotes a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.

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• Demonstrates openness and flexibility in embracing change (or different ideas) and adjusting to new circumstances or initiatives.
• Adapts quickly to evolving situations and demonstrates a willingness to learn and grow from challenges.
• Encourages innovation and supports creative problem-solving approaches.

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• Analyzes complex issues, identifies root causes, and generates creative solutions.
• Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to make informed decisions.
• Seeks input from relevant stakeholders and considers multiple perspectives before arriving at conclusions.

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• Receives feedback with an open mind, demonstrating a growth mindset and a willingness to improve.
• Provides constructive feedback to others in a respectful and supportive manner, focusing on professional growth and development.
• Actively seeks feedback from colleagues and stakeholders to enhance performance and effectiveness.

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• Communicates clearly, confidently, and respectfully with diverse audiences, including staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Listens attentively, asks thoughtful questions, and seeks to understand others' viewpoints.
• Uses appropriate verbal and written communication skills to convey complex ideas and information effectively.

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• Engages in constructive dialogue and debates while maintaining respect and professionalism.
• Expresses dissenting opinions or disagreements tactfully, considering the impact on relationships and the broader goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to find common ground and work towards consensus when faced with differing perspectives.
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• Builds and maintains positive and trusting relationships with staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Demonstrates approachability, active listening, and the ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Cultivates a sense of community, fosters collaboration, and promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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• Exhibits determination and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
• Maintains a positive attitude, motivates others, and leads by example during difficult times.
• Demonstrates perseverance in pursuing long-term goals and continuous improvement.
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• Demonstrates high ethical standards and acts with integrity in all professional interactions.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Upholds professional boundaries and adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Special Education, School Counseling, Clinical Psychology, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education administration, counseling, or clinical services, with demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of federal and state laws and regulations related to special education, mental health, and Student Support Services.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education, with a passion for advocating for all students' access to quality education and Support Services.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to improve student outcomes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other technology tools used in educational administration and Student Support Services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Washington, DC 20019: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person