General Purpose
Acts as the principal administrator of Dearborn STEP, which provides a comprehensive academic, clinical and therapeutic assessment for students in Grades 5-12 for up to 40 school days. As a member of the Schools for Children executive management team, works toward the improvement of educational, clinical and personnel practices throughout the organization and within Dearborn STEP. Promotes an atmosphere which values diversity, equity and inclusion.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Program Operations
1. Responsible for the overall organization of the program and its component parts and ensures a continuity of philosophy and purpose within that entity; establishes and works with the leadership team to assist in that effort.
2. Supervises and supports the activities and performance of the leadership team in their day-to-day management of the program.
3. Develops an annual budget; plans for and/or approves expenditures consistent with the approved budget and with school enrollment patterns; ensures proper internal procedures are followed which allow for timely billing and collection of tuition.
4. Ensures that adequate facilities are available to support the operation of the program. Initiates and authorizes maintenance requests necessary to keep the building in a safe and satisfactory condition.
5. Operates the assessment program according to all applicable state and federal laws. Ensures that school and student records are maintained in compliance with all public laws and agency policies.
6. Oversees the hiring process for all faculty openings; approves staffing patterns consistent with enrollment trends.
7. Proactively connects with school district Special Education Directors and Out of District Coordinators, parents/guardians, and other professionals to promote the program’s services, and to expand others’ knowledge of the program’s resources
Supervision
1. Ensures that an in-service program is provided for faculty. Provides training opportunities for interns affiliated with local colleges/universities.
2. Conducts, along with the STEP leadership team, regular supervision, feedback, and formal performance evaluations.
3. Regularly reviews the manner in which the school's psychoeducational philosophy is being implemented by the faculty.
Student Services
1. Makes explicit and enforces program-wide policies, schedules and calendars; ensures program-specific elements are communicated clearly to all involved.
2. Serves as the final authority figure for the program; provides day-to-day problem-solving guidance.
3. Ensures that the staff is providing proper coverage and supervision of students at all times.
4. Ensures that there is understanding between the program, parent and district regarding which IEP services will be provided during the assessment period.
5. Executes the referral, enrollment, and entry processes for all students.
6. Supervises milieu environment and crisis intervention work throughout the day.
Community Engagement
1. Represents the school as its principal spokesperson before various constituencies or groups, including parents and caregivers, other public and private schools, representatives of state government, and representatives of the Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
2. Conducts outreach to build relationships with educational and mental health professionals who may refer students to the program.
3. Ensures that Dearborn STEP develops an active partnership with the parents and caregivers of students enrolled.
4. Plans and supervises marketing efforts including those relating to print materials, eNewsletters, website content and design, and social media outreach.
Program Development
1. Works with leadership team and faculty to develop an operational philosophy of psychoeducational services; defines the program in a manner reflective of this philosophy.
2. Promotes the development of new or expanded programming designed to meet current needs and/or to improve instruction; seeks opportunity for program growth/expansion consistent with school and agency philosophy/fiscal realities;
3. Formulates annual program goals and objectives with the leadership team
General
1. Reflects the core values of the agency in all interactions with all stakeholders.
2. Works to create a unity of purpose and a sense of pride within the STEP community.
3. Maintains a manner consistent with the agency’s commitment to honesty and direct communications between all members of the staff as an essential feature of creating a positive working and learning environment for our students.
4. Other duties as assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Schools for Children does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, genetic information, homelessness, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities. Schools for Children is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in our workplace. The organization's educational philosophy and personnel goals, including the goal of equal employment opportunity, will be considered in filling all positions.
Qualifications
- Five years of experience as a leader in a school or program for students with emotional disabilities
- Masters level or higher in Education, Social Work and/or Psychology
The Dearborn STEP Director works 12 months.
Start Date: August 1, 2024 (negotiable)
Schools for Children provides a supportive team environment with a competitive wage/benefit program.
If interested, please apply by providing a cover letter, resume, and three references to:
- Rebecca Altepeter, Dearborn Academy, raltepeter@dearbornacademy.org
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $110,000.00 - $116,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person