Director of Education

The Director of Education, Provides the overall leadership, staff supervision, and management of all facets of the operations of New Directions School. Assists the Agency in providing a trauma informed, high quality, learning environment and in achieving its mission, vision and values.Essential Position Functions1. Responsible for updating, maintaining, and operating in accordance to any/all policies, procedures, and practices in order to remain in compliance with all Agency, DESE and other relevant regulatory bodies (i.e., DPH, DCF, DMH) in order to achieve and maintain educational goals, high quality standards, and best practices (i.e., mid cycle review, CPR review, etc.)2. Responsible for the 3 year and 6 year relicensing processes reviews and any corresponding corrective action plans.3. Stays informed and up to date on all legal requirements governing special education and ensures the schools compliance.4. Oversees program spending through prescribed budgetary and administrative processes.5. Represents the school on the Agencys Senior Leadership team and is a liaison with other department directors/programs. Serves as liaison to LEA's, and other organizations and community groups as assigned by supervisor.6. Trains, supervises, and evaluates performance of the teaching and instructor staff. Makes hiring and other personnel-related recommendations to supervisor. Chairs regular and special school staff meetings.7. Oversees the development and implementation of the schools educational curriculum, lesson plans, individual student educational plans and objectives, the learning environment and facility, reporting requirements, and other school related activities. Coordinates, implements and oversees all processes related to MCAS.8. Coordinates and participates in IEP meetings and facilitates the completion of all relevant document and timelines required for student records. Coordinates all contracted services and is a strong liaison with districts.9. Administers and/or works with staff and consultants to administer formal and informal diagnostic assessments to appraise student learning level, interests, and needs. Develops and oversees the student individual educational plans and objectives in collaboration with other educational and clinical staff. Prepares and/or oversees the preparation of periodic reports on student educational status and progress. Oversees all student progress reports and other grading and reporting documentation and provides staff training in order to maintain high quality documentation and record keeping.10. Maintains and oversees the maintenance of confidentiality in accordance with all policies and procedures, confidential records on all referred and active students, and in accordance with all HIPPA regulations.11. Responsible for the establishment and maintenance of procedures, timelines forms, record keeping processes, and other administrative tools and functions required to support the efficient and effective operation of the school.12. Establishes appropriate relationships with students and their families to foster their learning and growth consistent with staff role prescriptions and boundaries, and the youths treatment plan. Serves as the primary liaison with students and parents for all matters associated with Special Education service delivery. Also coordinates and facilitates the parent groups.13. Provides student supervision, sets behavioral limits, and responds to crisis situations to insure youth and staff safety in accordance with the Workplace Violence Prevention Program and all other established program procedures, policies, methods, and practices.14. Oversees the schools incident review and reporting processes, in accordance with all regulatory requirements, policies and procedures. This includes but is not limited to operating in compliance with the Workplace Violence Prevention Program.15. Oversees the schools quality improvement processes and reporting procedures.16. Participates in various meetings with other clinical, residential, administrative, and support staff to share appropriate information, collaboratively design educational, therapeutic, and safety plans.17. Works collaboratively with the senior leadership team and the union to address issues and problems in a timely manner.18. Supervises and evaluates the school administrative assistant.19. Adheres to Cutchins Programs for Children and Families Rules, Standards, and Ethics Policy.Minimum Requirements for the PositionDegree: Masters Level in Education License and/or Certification: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Administrator of Special EducationYears and Type of ExperienceThree (3) years experience in relatable educational setting(s), especially in areas of special education and administration.Knowledge of Massachusetts Special Education system, including special education laws, regulations, IEPs (requirements), and local/statewide educational resources.Other Skills or Requirements Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Strong leadership and supervisory skills. Enjoys supporting students and collaborating with families, partner schools, and staff. Ability to work cooperatively and constructively with other staff, parents, vendors and community members a multi-cultural environment. Flexible, compassionate, and positive people person Knowledge of current instructional best practices. Knowledge of current state and federal rules and regulations. Knowledge of assessment and discipline methodology. Organizing and prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment. Problem analysis/solving skills. Contributor to continually improving programs and processes. Demonstrated attention to detail, with a strong ability to keep accurate records and statistics. Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality. Willingness to collaborate on projects and work with a team. Must be enthusiastic about community-based work and youth development. Ability to work with individuals with varying degrees of expertise in varied departments/organizations. Must maintain a valid drivers license.Physical Requirements: Visual acuity to written and computer screen data, manual coordination and dexterity in the operation of office equipment. The physical ability to use the computer, sit, standing, climbing stairs for multi-level office building, lift up to 50 lbs., and engage in nonviolent crisis intervention techniques as needed, including restraint.The description above represents the most significant and routine duties of the position but does not exclude the performance of other assigned duties or projects consistent with its essential functions and minimum requirements.Cutchins Programs for Children and Families promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. - EOE/M/F/D/V/SO