Director of Student Support Services

Job Title: Director of Student Support Services

Dwight-Englewood School, the largest independent school in Bergen County, NJ, and a growing, vibrant, and diverse learning community in the New York City metro area, is seeking to fill a Director of Student Support Services position.

Job Summary: The Director of Student Support Services provides leadership and coordination for programs that address the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. This individual plays a key role in overseeing the pre-referral and referral process for students who may require additional support, particularly those with challenges in literacy, math, executive function, processing speed, working memory, and social-emotional development. The Director will collaborate closely with educators, families, and external providers to ensure all students receive the available resources and support to succeed. Additionally, the Director will lead professional development initiatives for faculty, manage student assessments, and oversee the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and/or learning profiles.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Supervision:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development for the Student Support Team, ensuring alignment with the team's mission.
• Oversee the caseload management of learning specialists and school counselors, ensuring they meet the needs of individual students.
• Supervise Learning Specialists across divisions, and the Director of Counseling Services.

Student Support & Case Management:

• Oversee the pre-referral and referral process for students requiring additional academic and/or emotional support.
• Develop and implement action plans to support students' individual learning needs, integrating and supporting Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and learning profiles across classrooms.
• Coordinate academic and emotional support services for all students.
• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and external providers, ensuring effective communication and collaboration through necessary documentation and permissions.

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Collaborate with Principals, Deans and Department Chairs to ensure effective curriculum design and instructional strategies that meet diverse student needs.
• Partner with teaching staff to develop differentiated instructional strategies and enhance classroom teaching practices.
• Work with outside providers such as Speech and Language Pathologists to coordinate screenings and ongoing support.
• Ensure that all parties involved-students, families, teachers, and external providers-are aligned in their approach to student support and progress.
• Create communication structures across divisions to ensure that learning support continues for all students.
• Work with admissions teams to share the many possibilities, as well as limitations, of how we can support students.

Assessment & Data Analysis:

• Oversee the administration and coordination of school-wide assessments,Participate in weekly Student Support Team meetings to discuss students and to collaboratively develop strategies to address individual needs as well as wider student issues.
• Interpret and synthesize educational testing reports and communicate findings with families and school staff.
• Oversee referrals for external evaluations and work closely with families to ensure comprehensive, timely, and appropriate support is provided.
• Monitor rate of progress of recommended home and school-based strategies of support.

Professional Development:

• Collaborate with the Principals and other administrators to plan and implement professional development opportunities for teaching staff.
• Keep abreast of current best practices in teaching, learning, and student support and integrate these into the school's academic and support programs.
• Lead workshops and sessions on best practices for differentiation, tiered levels of support, and inclusive education practices.

Communication with Families:

• Act as a primary point of contact for families seeking guidance regarding their child's learning needs and available support services.
• Partner with families to ensure they are informed and engaged in their child's support plan and educational progress.
• Provide written and oral feedback to families and staff regarding student progress, interventions, and ongoing needs.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Special Education, or a related field.
• Certification or licensure in relevant areas preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in educational support services, including leadership and management roles.
• Strong understanding of tiered levels of support, IEP development, and student assessment practices.
• Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds, including students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and social-emotional challenges.
• Knowledge of and experience working with external providers and services, such as speech and language therapy, mental health support, and academic intervention programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff, students, and families.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Work Environment: This position is based in a PreK - Grade 12 school setting. The Director of Student Support Services will work closely with faculty, administration, and outside service providers to ensure students receive a holistic and integrated approach to support. The role involves regular interaction with families, as well as participation in faculty meetings, professional development sessions, and school-wide events. The person in this role will report directly to the Associate Head of School.

Dwight-Englewood School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or military veteran status. The diversity of our student body supports our commitment to employ a diverse faculty and staff. Educators from all backgrounds who bring knowledge and expertise in equity, diversity, and multicultural education are especially encouraged to apply.