Position Title: Director of Student Services

F.T.E: 1.0

Location: 19360 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, MI 48225 (traveling to other schools required)

Reports To: Chief of Schools

Start Date: Winter 2022

The mission of Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in historically marginalized communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.

Position Description:

The Director of Student Services will be responsible for substantially and effectively providing leadership and coordination of all special education programs and related services including planning, implementation, administering and monitoring programs and services as it relates to the Special Education Department. This person will provide resources and support to staff, as well as monitor programs and services to ensure that each student is provided with an appropriate educational experience, in compliance with State and Federal mandates.

Culture:

• Build and foster positive relationships with staff
  
• Honor teacher voice and autonomy in the coaching partnership
  
• Foster positive climate and culture among all team members
  
• Model and cultivate a strengths-based mindset and language
  
• Celebrate teacher milestones, accomplishments, and growth towards goals
  
• Serve as a positive role model
  
• Promote safe, supportive learning and professional working environments with an equity-conscious mindset
  
• Uphold and exemplify the Distinctive Schools instructional coaching beliefs and commitments
  
• Establish and maintain good public relations when attending, Authorizer, ISD and State Meetings

Special Education 40%

• Oversee all special education services while providing educational leadership and program management within special education programs.
  
• Communicate with all team members in a professional manner
  
• Ensure all reports are completed five days in advance of the IEP meetings
  
• Oversee the management of student files across the region
  
• Communicate effectively with parents and families regarding meeting dates
  
• Ensure progress reporting is happening on a quarterly basis
  
• Ensure schedules are created and all minutes are met
  
• Review lesson plans to ensure appropriate accommodations
  
• Review Consult Logs
  
• Ensure all teachers and clinicians have access to IEPs
  
• Coordinate and manage related service providers
  
• Monitor programs and services on a regular basis to assure compliance with current rules and regulations set forth by the state (IL or MI) and federal mandates
  
• Monitor implementation of IEP programs through classroom observation and data reviews
  
• Attend ISD IEP team meetings when warranted
  
• Coordinate and provide professional development and coaching for special education personnel, administration, and general educators regarding the support of students with disabilities

Related Services 20%

• Assist in recruitment, hiring and training of all related service providers including School Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists (and any other related service provider outlined in an IEP)
  
• Monitor compliance for all related service providers (RSPs) including ensuring reports, service minutes and all necessary documents are completed within designated time frame and as outlined in a students individualized education plan
  
• Provide ongoing professional development and training to related service providers in order to stay abreast of current trends, topics and procedures within the field of student services
  
• Provide supervision and evaluations for all related service providers
  
• Serve as liaison between Distinctive Schools (DS), our authorizer, ISD, and the state (IL or MI) in order to stay abreast of training opportunities, best practices, mandated trainings and compliance requirements
  
• Serve as liaison to community organizations that provide mental health services to students
  
• Assist in budget planning and support as it pertains to related-service providers across the DS network

Instructional Support 20%

• Collaborate with Principals and Special Education Leads to provide support to any Special Education Teacher or General Education Teacher who needs additional support when servicing students with disabilities
  
• Collaborate with all teachers to ensure appropriate support for students with disabilities is provided
  
• Review and analyze data of all Special Education students on a regular basis to ensure adequate progress
  
• Provide coaching to paraprofessionals and support School Principals in paraprofessional evaluation
  
• Conduct observations, conferences and provide support to staff
  
• Ensure teamwork and collaboration between RSPs and School Staff
  
• Support whole regional initiatives with a focus on special education

Leadership 10%

• Attend any Network collaboration session relevant to Special Education
  
• Meet monthly with campus student support team to review logs, student progress and celebrations, and problem-solving
  
• Meet on a weekly basis with campus Special Education Leads discuss all things related to Special Education
  
• Alongside the campus Special Education Leads and School Principals, create schedules that ensure all minutes of services stated in IEPS are met
  
• Collaborate with the IL Regional Director of Student Services regularly

Additional Student Supports/Services 10%

• Support school-based Student Support Teams (SST) as needed on school culture initiatives, mental health interventions, data collection/analysis, and behavioral support systems within the schools
  
• Support implementation of Social Emotional and Mental Health tiered supports for students in schools

Education:

• Bachelors degree

Qualifications:

• Valid Professional Educator License or equivalent in state of employment (IL or MI)
  
• Endorsement in Special Education (based on state requirements)
• Valid IL Type 73 PEL (Student Services) through State Board of Education
  
• Valid MI Special Education Director/Administrator Certificate
  
• Minimum three years experience in the field of Special Education (either Special Education Teacher or Related Service Provider)
  
• Demonstrates leadership and knowledge of special education federal and state mandates, instructional methodology, supervision, and evaluation
  
• Technology demands:
• Ability to review and analyze student and campus data from multiple sources
  
• Proficient with cloud based software solutions (such as GoogleSuite)
  
• Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed
  
• Travel to regional campuses and network offices as required for training, professional development, and collaboration
  
• Proof of full vaccination for Covid-19 (Applicable for IL Only)

Physical demands:

• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 30% sitting, 50% walking, and 20% standing.

Why join the Distinctive Schools Team:

• 25+ Paid holidays & 10 days PTO annually (in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions)
• 12 weeks family paid leave
  
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  
• 403b match
• Fully match up to 3%
  
• 50% match up to 5%
  
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
  
• Gym and wellness discounts
  
• And more

Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.