Director, Student Discipline

School District of Philadelphia

10h

About The Position

The Director, Student Discipline, in the Office of Student Support Services, directs, coordinates, and monitors implementation of the District Code of Student Conduct and ensures disciplinary activities comply with District policies and procedures. The role maintains close working relationships with Assistant Superintendents, school administrators, the Office of School Safety, the Office of General Counsel, and other offices. The Director oversees staff and processes related to disciplinary hearings, expulsions, student transfers, appeals, and the restoration and reinstatement of students. The position also develops staff training, monitors discipline-related data, creates prevention and intervention strategies, works to reduce disproportionate discipline, and collaborates with outside agencies and District offices. The role is not represented by a union.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and five years of full-time, paid, professional experience working with school-age, at-risk children and their families; or a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of such experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of child development principles, practices, and theories; laws and mandates governing student discipline and school safety; supervisory methods and techniques; and data collection procedures.
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct staff development; develop solutions to complex problems; plan, coordinate, and implement policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct; oversee collection of statistical data; plan and direct staff activities; operate a personal computer; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and coordinate subordinate staff work related to implementing policies, and define procedures for achieving office goals, objectives, and priorities.
Supervise staff who facilitate disciplinary hearings and transfers.
Direct and oversee Central Office disciplinary hearings and the expulsion process for students in grades 6–12 who violate the Code of Conduct.
Develop and conduct professional development, and ensure school and District staff are trained in implementing the Code of Conduct.
Oversee collection and maintenance of data about referrals and placements of students who violate the Code of Student Conduct.
Oversee restoration and reinstatement of expelled students and review and process re-entry of dependent students from court placement.
Assess and develop prevention and intervention strategies for disruptive youth.
Serve as a liaison to the Office of School Safety, Office of General Counsel, Office of Prevention and Intervention, and Office of Climate and Culture, and maintain effective relationships with other administrative offices.
Identify supplemental funding sources and grants for student programs and services, and oversee preparation of funding proposals.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with outside agencies, including the Department of Human Services.
Develop strategies to eliminate disproportionate discipline.
Manage the administrative transfer process and investigate and approve voluntary transfer requests outside the annual school selection process.
Coordinate and manage the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities appeals process.