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POSITION: Executive Director of Student Support Services

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools and CEO or designee

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director of Student Support Services leads, develops, and evaluates a comprehensive program of student services — encompassing pupil personnel, school psychology, school counseling, school health, and school safety. This role drives district-wide school climate and culture initiatives, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning, and Trauma-Informed Instruction.

The Executive Director plays a key leadership role in developing, implementing, and sustaining a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Additional areas of oversight include: home instruction, residency and international student admissions, alternative programs, psychological records, child abuse and neglect reporting, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IX, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

This position carries responsibility for budget planning, policy and procedure development, hiring and evaluation, professional development, long-range program planning, and the supervision and evaluation of student services staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & School Climate

• Leads, communicates, and implements programs that support student health, wellbeing, and positive school cultures and climate
• Responds to principal and school staff needs related to crisis intervention, policy and procedural clarification, and the prevention of violence through mediation and problem solving
• Analyzes school climate, student discipline, and attendance data to make informed, equitable, and timely decisions
• Supports principals and school staff in identifying and securing appropriate programs and resources for students

Compliance & Legal Oversight

• Assesses systemic needs and develops programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board policies, and regulations
• Advises administrators and staff on the legal obligations of the district and the rights of students and families under applicable programs and legal authorities
• Serves as the Title IX Coordinator for student matters; provides updated guidance on Title IX implementation and compliance, and coordinates remedial actions when necessary
• Participates in the development and implementation of the district's sexual harassment policy and related staff development
• Serves as a resource to the Superintendent on Title IX and gender equity matters; monitors compliance and makes recommendations for improvement
• Coordinates investigations of parent or student complaints (including sexual harassment and discrimination) in partnership with administration and human resources
• Coordinates services and resources related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Oversees coordination of the McKinney-Vento Program for students experiencing homelessness and the district's Alternative Education Programs
• Directs the student disciplinary hearing process, including expulsions

Student Support & Equity

• Collaborates with student services staff to support school personnel in addressing the personal, social, and emotional barriers that prevent academic success
• Monitors academic milestones including attendance and truancy, disciplinary actions, dropout rates, child abuse and neglect reporting, parental involvement, residency compliance, Section 504 issues, homelessness, and disproportionate disciplinary outcomes for Black and Hispanic students
• Provides staff development to identify, address, and eliminate disproportionate disciplinary and academic outcomes for students of color
• Supports the monitoring and implementation of equitable, data-driven practices across all student services functions
• Collaborates with agencies and community partners to support student welfare, safety, and academic success

Staff Supervision & Development

• Directs the work of pupil personnel workers, school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, safety advocates, and school nurses, with a focus on increasing student achievement and improving school climate
• Participates as needed in the hiring of school counselors, pupil personnel workers, school social workers, school psychologists, and school nurses
• Evaluates supervisory and administrative staff, pupil personnel workers, school social workers, school psychologists, and school nurses
• Conducts professional development for student services staff and school-based personnel on programs, services, and best practices

Program & Budget Management

• Plans, administers, and coordinates the student services program in alignment with district goals and strategic priorities
• Facilitates the development, monitoring, and utilization of the departmental budget and state and federal grants
• Develops and revises department policies, procedures, and programs as needed
• Coordinates related programs with appropriate local, state, and federal programs and regulatory bodies
• Collaborates with general and special education instructional directors and building administrators on student discipline, transfer, placement, promotion, retention, and recordkeeping
• Collaborates with necessary partners on the administration of state-required surveys
• Communicates effectively with school and community stakeholders on all areas of responsibility
• Works extended hours and weekends as necessary to ensure communication of essential information and completion of assignments

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• A minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in an administrative capacity, preferably as a school-based administrator
• High school leadership experience preferred
• Knowledge of theories, concepts, and state regulatory requirements for student services programs
• Understanding of how student services programs support the School Improvement Process and increase student achievement
• Thorough knowledge of CT State Department of Education (CSDE) and Hartford Public Schools policies, regulations, and procedures; student services bylaws; and federal and state legislation relating to student services
• Knowledge of restorative practices and student behavior interventions, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks
• Understanding of and demonstrated ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in interagency services, school safety, and juvenile justice
• Knowledge of system school safety initiatives and school safety plans
• Knowledge of the functions and operations of the criminal justice system as applied to juveniles
• Broad-based experience in problem solving and conflict resolution in a leadership context
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Title IX investigation process and student discipline procedures
• Proven leadership in implementing systems and processes for organizational development to increase student achievement
• Demonstrated ability to utilize and promote equitable practices across all facets of education
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to student learning and adjustment
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to students, teachers, staff, central office personnel, families, and community members
• Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and evaluate performance measures
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills, with an ability to communicate with clarity and transparency across diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, complex compliance timelines, and cross-functional teams to meet deadlines effectively

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision certification (092) required; Connecticut Special Education certification preferred

UNION AFFILIATION: Not Applicable

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position is a twelve-month position, and salary is by individual employment contract. The salary range is $150,000 to $170,000.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. The code word for the internal application is hartford (lowercase “h”). Candidates’ application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates who advance will be contacted directly by hiring managers for interviews.