Director of Special Services

Harlem Children's Zone•New York, NY

3h•$140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) started with one mission that was the most ambitious and audacious in U.S. history: to end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and around the world to do the same. HCZ breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the-ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood education and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. HCZ believes that the pathway to college begins when a child is born and doesn’t end until a student has graduated and has the tools to thrive in a fulfilling career. The organization’s aim is to light that pathway, from cradle to college to career, with community-responsive and wraparound youth programs that support children and their families in every way and in every year of a child’s development. We are seeking a Director of Special Education and English as a New Language. The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language will serve as the Network instructional leader, responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction to foster a productive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the mission of HCZ Promise Academy, a demonstrated track record of success moving students and using data to inform the big picture, and an understanding and respect for the families and community of Central Harlem. JOB GOAL: The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the School’s Special Education Program. The Director of Special Education (SpED) and English as a New Language (ENL) plans, implements, and supervises SpED Programs, ENL and all related student support services.

Requirements

Master's Degree in related area (e.g., Special Education and English as a New Language) from an accredited college/university
Minimum of 5 years of administrative/leadership experience
Deep understanding of NY Learning Standards
Extensive experience in curriculum development and MTSS/RTI
Must be able to demonstrate successful administrative experience
Strong skill set in human relations, communications, problem-solving, and organization.

Responsibilities

Oversee a well-articulated Special Education program that is current, comprehensive, and consistent with Promise Academy Charter School pillars of instruction and ensures the implementation of NY Learning Standards.
Design and implement practices that utilizes multiple measures of data in order to study, research, recommend, and evaluate existing and new programs for modification and implementation by the department.
Ensure all special education/ENL services will be provided appropriately and effectively, with compliance as a minimum and critical threshold.
Manage plans to address most critical scholar needs (ie: severe levels of behavioral, cognitive, language, medical/health needs).
Organize regular school Special Services meetings with all educational stakeholders to monitor students' progress.
Monitor accountability for all roles, systems, and processes related to special education and ENL services.
Supervise and coordinate enrollment processes related to SpEd and ENL.
Ensure all scholars' special education and language needs will be addressed.
Ensure all special education/ENL teachers and all providers will be held accountable for their responsibilities.
Plan events to celebrate scholars' progress and growth.
Assist in the development and coordination of the sections of the budget that pertain to SpEd and ENL.
Provide specialized instruction to scholars in need during extended learning as needed.
Serve as a member of network committees to ensure the consideration of students with disabilities and English language learners.
Support the Principals and Education Directors in the review of the day-to-day performance, observation, and evaluation of Learning Specialists.
Ensure that all Special Education Coaches are completing deliverables.
Cover assigned compliance-related tasks in the absence of the Special Education Coach.
Create comprehensive plans using data analysis to support the needs and strengths of all students.
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Curriculum Instruction, Counseling, and Principals on the development and implementation of a comprehensive K-12 assessment program, the selection of testing instruments, the design of alternative assessments, and the use of testing data to drive instruction.
Support School Leadership Team with the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
Design and implement in-service programs and professional/staff development experiences for all professional staff and teacher fellows based on network and school priorities for Special Education and English as a New Language instructional improvement.
Keep abreast of and interpret to the staff the current research in the area of Special Education and English as a New Language, teaching, and learning.
Promote ongoing, two-way communications with students, school personnel, parents, and others to enhance the educational program and the Network.
Participate in related administrative and curriculum meetings for administrators and supervisors.
Facilitate articulation experiences for instructional and other staff.
Participate in relevant administrative meetings conducted by the Deputy Superintendent.
Serve as the primary liaison with the Committee on Special Education.
Continue own professional growth and development through memberships; attendance at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences; enrollment in advanced courses; and similar activities.
Stay up-to-date with changes and developments in the profession by attending professional workshops and meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and participating in other experiences.
Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Superintendent.
Participates in organization meetings to discuss the performance of students with disabilities and English language learners.
Serve as an instructional resource for programming decisions for students with disabilities across the organization.
May be required to participate in zone activities after-school and on the weekends.
Must be accessible for emergencies that require support after work hours and on the weekends.

Benefits

Highly competitive base salaries
Paid time off
Employee referral bonus
Career advancement
No-cost health insurance
Life Insurance
Short-and long-term disability
Additional voluntary benefits
Wellness discounts
Commuter benefits
Financial wellness perks
Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)