Program Support Coordinator

Perkins School for the Blind•Watertown, MA

About The Position

The Program Support Coordinator performs administrative and operational work that supports the successful operation of school, residential, and expanded core curriculum programming at Perkins. The role supports Assistant Directors of Student Life (ADSLs), cottage supervisors, and residential staff, and may provide direct supervisory or operational coverage during vacancies and leaves. The coordinator helps manage residential staffing schedules and coverage, cottage documentation and audit readiness, student progress data, family communications, and logistics for admissions and student transitions. The role also coordinates with Facilities and Food Services, supervises Domestic Service Workers, supports maintenance tracking and dining operations, and promotes student independence, self-advocacy, and an inclusive residential environment. The position is responsible for supporting licensing compliance, conducting monthly cottage environmental walkthroughs, and maintaining staff training and certification records. It requires working with students with disabilities, including visual impairments, and may involve administering medication, driving school vehicles, and training staff on equipment and procedures after obtaining required clearances.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Three years of experience working with children with special needs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to lead diverse work groups and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Sound and accurate judgment.
Ability to interact in a consultative and professional manner.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities concurrently.
Ability to use available resources and creative problem-solving to support staff growth and performance.
Knowledge of the impact of vision impairment on development, classroom learning, and community access.
Familiarity with optical and non-optical low vision devices and assistive technology.
Knowledge of state and federal laws concerning the education of students with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and understanding of how the Expanded Core Curriculum for Students with Visual Impairments supports access to the general education curriculum.
Knowledge and practical application of Internet software, Microsoft Office, spreadsheet software, and word-processing software.
First Aid, CPR, AED, and Safety Care training.
Valid driver's license and willingness to drive school vehicles, including chair cars.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasionally lifting or exerting up to 50 pounds; routinely stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling; ascending and descending stairs; walking, bending, reaching, handling objects, and traveling independently.

Responsibilities

Support ADSLs and cottage supervisors in creating, implementing, and maintaining residential systems and operational tasks.
Manage scheduling, supervision, and operational oversight for asleep overnight staff.
Plan student activities and ensure adequate staff coverage across shifts, with particular focus on evenings and weekends.
Organize and maintain cottage files, logs, and reports for audit readiness and licensing compliance.
Provide direct supervision and operational coverage for ACRLs and CRLs during short-term vacancies and long-term leaves, as assigned by an ADSL.
Collect and organize student progress data from residential staff and ensure it is formatted for IEP and Transition portfolios.
Serve as an alternate contact for families with non-clinical administrative questions, including packing lists, activity schedules, and transportation logistics.
Assist ADSLs with administrative and operational logistics for outside admissions, inter-cottage moves, and program transitions into residential living.
Assess cottage and program needs, identify operational or resource gaps, and help carry out improvement plans.
Directly supervise Domestic Service Workers and ensure cottage cleanliness and environmental standards meet student needs and health and safety requirements.
Serve as a central point of contact for cottage operations and streamline communication among residential staff, Facilities, and Food Services.
Help oversee cottage maintenance requests, track their progress, and follow up to support timely resolution.
Partner with Food Services on routine student meal planning, specialized dietary needs, and catering or logistics for campus events.
Promote student self-advocacy, personal independence, and self-confidence through structured social and organizational activities.
Foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment, modeling and reinforcing positive social interactions that honor student dignity.
Obtain and maintain Perkins Vehicle Driver Clearance and be willing to drive program vehicles, including chair cars, for student transportation.
Obtain required clearances and train staff as needed on student appliances, mobility equipment, mechanical lifts, and school vehicles.
Maintain medication administration clearance, administer medications, support compliance with health and safety regulations, and keep cottage health documentation current and accurate.
Ensure the residential department remains compliant with external licensing standards and institutional regulations.
Conduct monthly cottage environmental walkthroughs using safety, hygiene, and accessibility checklists, and help manage follow-up actions.
Maintain the departmental professional development database and track required trainings and certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and Safety Care.
Monitor credential expiration dates and proactively alert ADSLs and staff to prevent compliance gaps.