Dean of Scholar Services

The Dean of Scholar Services (DSS) ensures that students at risk for academic underperformance succeed in rigorous academic programs. The DSS coordinates all special education service provisions and compliance, including intervention. Additionally, the Dean provides professional development and support and codifies best practice adoption for school-based staff in special education, ELL instruction, social work, and at-risk student services. The Dean monitors the compliance and daily execution of 504 and IEPs and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations, serving as the main liaison to the CSE when applicable. The Dean will manage a multi-tiered support system such that tier-three academic and social-emotional supports are consistently delivered. The Dean will maintain close communication with families of scholars with exceptionalities. The Dean is responsible for tracking and understanding the aggregate and disaggregated data of the students in his/her purview and proposing programmatic responses when applicable.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Your primary professional responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Compliance

• Serve as one of the school’s primary contacts with the CSE, directly managing the relationship, ensuring 100% compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date records and other documentation.
• Create scholar Individualized Education Plans in consultation with CSE, staff, and families to ensure success for all scholars.
• Secure and upload Teacher Reports, Related Service Provider Reports, Conduct Vocational Assessments, and draft IEPs in SESIS at least ten days before the IEP meeting.
• Attend all IEP meetings as assigned promptly.
• Ensure the attendance of families, teachers, and students at all IEP meetings by sending CSE-created invitations to participate in the meeting at least 14 days in advance.
• Submit a request for initial evaluations and reevaluations to the CSE immediately upon receipt from the family.
• Create, implement, and review 504 plans in consultation with staff and families to ensure success for all scholars.
• Distribute IEPs and Chapter 408s, ensuring that all teachers know of, understand, and implement all classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs and 504 plans.
• Implement a coordinated set of transition activities for students with disabilities, including the transition from grades 8 with an emphasis on College and Career readiness.
• Ensure regular progress monitoring of IEP goals and the timely collection and distribution of Quarterly Progress reports.
• Work with the CSE to track receipt of transmittals and Related Service Authorizations (RSA).
• Track suspension data of students with disabilities and conduct Manifestation Review Determinations (MDR) as needed.
• Coordinate with the Director of Student Services and Lead the Dean of Student Services to prepare all testing accommodations before the administration of in-school, state, and national exams for students with IEPs or Section 504
• Support the Senior Director of Academics and Chief Financial Officer in ensuring accurate billing and invoicing information for services per pupil and related invoices.

Management

• Manage the provision of direct services by Related Service Providers contracted by the New York City Department of Education.
• Manage the provision of direct services by Paraprofessionals.
• Create Related Service Provider schedules and ensure it is adhered to.
• Create a Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) schedule and ensure it is adhered to.
• Provide weekly coaching and support to Special Education Teachers.

Academic Intervention

• Partner with the Director of Student Services to identify effective SETSS/Intervention curricula.
• Ensure students with disabilities, students with potential disabilities, and students who struggle are served across the continuum of services and interventions.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Services and Lead the Dean of Student Services to conduct diagnostic testing on literacy and math levels.
• Co-facilitate the Response to Intervention (RTI) process for academics, including collecting and reviewing data during Grade Team meetings, conducting student observations, and introducing evidence-based academic interventions and resources.
• Advocate for changes in practice that will support the improved performance of students with disabilities.
• Facilitate Tier 2 and co-facilitate Tier 3 meetings.

Professional Development

• Guide school leaders, staff, and clinicians to implement the supports outlined in a scholars’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Co-facilitate weekly Special Education/ENL teachers' Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
• Design and facilitate professional development to help school practitioners understand and implement key aspects of Special Education reforms, including Flexible Programming, Universal Design for Learning, Response to Intervention, and the design of meaningful IEPs.
• Prepare for and lead weekly Paraprofessional huddles.

Family and Community Engagement

• Support the work of our Family and Community Partnership team by attending and meaningfully engaging in family nights, report card nights, and occasional work events outside of normally scheduled work hours.
• Assist in managing student behavior and crisis intervention.
• Assist with the safe arrival and dismissal of scholars, including assisting with entry and exit procedures.
• Respond to correspondence from families, school leaders, culture teams, and teachers within 24 business hours.
• Be a campus-wide model in setting and upholding clear expectations and building strong relationships with staff, students, and families.

*Other duties as assigned.

Reporting relationships and team
The Dean of Student Services reports directly to the Director of Student Services. They work closely with the Lead Dean of Student Services and School Principals.

Eligibility Requirements:

• New York State SPED certification required
• Prior teaching experience in a special education setting is required
• Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply

Qualifications

• SPED Certification (Required)
• Bachelor's Degree (Required)
• Master’s Degree (Preferred)
• Teaching: 2 years (Required)

ABOUT BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:

The salary range for this role is budgeted from $80,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience and expertise. Brooklyn LAB Employees will receive a competitive benefits package that improves over time and is competitive with other New York City charter schools.

In addition to competitive salaries, the Brooklyn LAB benefits package includes the following:

• 80% of healthcare premium costs are covered by an employer
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability
• 403(b) plan with employer contribution
• Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short-Term Disability, etc.)
• Generous paid time off program including three weeks vacation and sick leave
• An annual professional development allowance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits