Director of Student Services

Diocese of Austin•Austin, TX

14h

About The Position

The Director of Student Services provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for student support programs across all schools in the Diocese of Austin. This role ensures that all students—whether they require special education services, gifted and talented support, English language learning (ELL) assistance, or other academic interventions— receive the necessary resources to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. The director collaborates with school administrators, teachers, and families to develop and implement programs that uphold Catholic values while addressing diverse student needs. Ministerial Character The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Requirements

Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation.
Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior.
Knowledge of gifted education, ELL instruction, intervention strategies, universal screeners, and special education laws.
Knowledge of effective assessment methods.
Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
Ability to work well with others in the school community.
Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
Ability in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
Skill in job appropriate technology.
Skill in critical thinking and planning.
Skill in managing conflicts effectively.
Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities.
Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities.
Master’s degree in education, special education, educational leadership, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in student services, educational leadership, special education, or related areas.
Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work with educators, families, and community partners.
Commitment to Catholic education and the integration of faith-based values in student services.
Experience designing and delivering professional development for educators.
English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).
Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
Must meet the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCB ED.
Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration.
Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.

Responsibilities

As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
Develop and oversee a general framework for a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) that can be individually implemented at each school within the Diocese. MTSS includes support for special education, gifted and talented services,
ELL/Multilingual Language Learners (MLL) programs, emotional and behavior supports, and intervention strategies for struggling learners.
Oversee the implementation and administration of universal screeners at all K-8th grade schools.
Analyze NWEA and other diocesan/school assessment tools to help schools use data to guide instruction, identification, and develop appropriate support services.
Assist schools in the understanding, implementation, and oversight of Texas Education Freedom Account to ensuring accountability, compliance, and effective use of funds to support current students and drive increased enrollment.
Support schools in developing referral processes for educational testing and evaluations for students needing academic or behavioral assessments.
Plan and facilitate quarterly Counselor and Learning Support Specialist Diocesan meetings.
Provide on-going guidance and professional development for teachers and school leaders on learning differences, differentiated instruction, accommodations, and interventions.
Serve as a resource for principals, teachers, and support staff in implementing individualized student support plans.
Visit diocesan schools regularly to assess student support needs and collaborate with school leaders to enhance services.
Develop and maintain relationships with parents, offering outreach, advocacy, and resources to help families navigate student services.
Act as a liaison between diocesan schools and external agencies providing special education services, counseling, and family support.
Advocate for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring equitable access to high-quality Catholic education.
Support schools in leveraging federal and state funding to enhance student support services.
Oversee F-1 Visas for International Students.
Other duties as assigned.