Director of Student Support Services

School in the Square•New York, NY

2d•$125,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Student Support Services will play a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and overseeing special education programs and services within our organization. This individual will collaborate with educators, administrators, and families to ensure that students with special needs receive the support and resources necessary to achieve academic success and personal growth. The Director of Student Support Services ensures that teachers are implementing high-quality instruction that is accessible for all students, that all students are receiving the supports to meet their needs, and that we operate in full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing special education. This is an ideal position for an educator with a strong educational and clinical background who is a systems thinker. This position will work closely with the school-based coordinators of student support services.

Requirements

Passionate commitment to the mission of School in the Square and investment in our vision and values
Passionate dedication to improve the minds, characters, and lives of students both in and out of school
A Masters Degree and New York state certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities
At least 3 prior years of experience as a special education teacher
Evidence of deep knowledge of special education compliance and effective practice
An adept problem-solver with a demonstrated ability to think critically, plan strategically, as well as research and perform detailed data analysis
Skilled in written and oral communication to diverse audiences and facilitating decision-making among multiple parties
Proactive and fast learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment
Ability to provide high-leverage feedback via classroom observations and school walk-throughs
Knowledge of the principles and methods for curriculum and instruction, co-curricular and extracurricular design, and the measurement of training and development
Demonstrate ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
Demonstrate experience using technology as both a management and instructional tool
A high appreciation for and ability to work in and lead a diverse community
Team-player capable of working both collaboratively and independently with a proven ability to: Engage, enlist, and energize others in ongoing improvement of learning and teaching; self-initiate, determine a course of action, and make necessary proposals for change when necessary

Responsibilities

Design, document, and maintain S2's network-wide SWD/MLL service delivery model — including the intervention continuum, screening calendar, intervention block structure (MS and HS), and COST meeting system
Build and maintain the data infrastructure for SWD/MLL monitoring — including the weekly network report, COST meeting preparation, and quarterly equity audit — in coordination with the data coordinator and the incoming dashboard vendor
Facilitate the incoming MLL protocol (NYSITELL within 30 days of enrollment, concurrent academic screening, evaluation referral decision criteria) and own its implementation
Refine the intervention tracking and placement system for the middle and high school; ensure facilitators have the tools and training to log data weekly
Design and maintain compliance calendar for all three schools; own the annual review tracking system
Coach and develop three SPED Coordinators and three ELL Teachers — not as supervisor but as thought partner, model, and builder of their capacity
Develop co-teachers from their current practice (behavioral management default) to genuine instructional partnership; design and lead co-teaching model training at August Institute
Train principals and APs on COST meeting facilitation, data literacy for SWD/MLL subgroups, and WIN block oversight
Model what it looks like to approach SWD and MLL students from a place of belief in their capacity — and hold the rest of the team to that standard
Chair the monthly Network MTSS Leadership Team meeting (alongside the CAO and Principals)
Support and where needed co-facilitate COST meetings at all three schools, particularly in the first semester as the system is being established
Attend at least one inquiry cycle data meeting per school per cycle to connect instructional improvement data with SWD/MLL system data
Facilitate the quarterly equity audit with school leadership: disaggregated analysis of academic growth, discipline, and attendance by race, gender, SWD, and MLL status
Own S2's IDEA compliance posture: IEP implementation fidelity, evaluation timelines, Child Find obligations, and family notification
Ensure Part 154 compliance for all MLL students: confirm service minutes match ELP levels, audit ELL Teacher schedules against state requirements quarterly
Ensure families of SWD and MLL students are treated as partners in the MTSS process — not notified of decisions already made
Oversee family communication protocols for IEP annual reviews, evaluation referrals, and intervention placements; ensure Spanish-language access for all critical communications at S2
Advise the CAO on how to make the SWD/MLL model visible and legible to families — not just to educators