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Dorchester County Public Schoolsis currently accepting applications for aDirector of Student Services.This position reports to the Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Supports. The successful candidate will direct the planning, implementation, administration, and evaluation of the school systems Pupil Services program. Primary areas of responsibility include supervising the planning, implementation, administration, and evaluation of the school systems Student Services department which includes pupil personnel, school counselors, social workers, student health and safety, home and hospital instruction, home schooling, homeless instruction, discipline, attendance, Title IX coordination and special education.The successful candidate supervises special education and the departments compliance, school counselors, school social worker, school psychologists, speech language pathologists, pupil personnel workers, and community school liaisons. In addition, the Director of Student Services will coordinate with the local agencies about the health programs. Additional programs administered include Safe and Drug Free Schools and Dropout Prevention.The successful candidate will demonstrate principled leadership and decision-making while assuming a leadership role that reflects the outcomes outlined in the Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework and Marylands Blueprint for Community Schools. This position is located at the Central Office (NDLA campus).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES:

• Meets with the Superintendent and other administrators on a regular basis to establish goals and develop plans and procedures necessary for effective program administration and delivery of services.
• Serves as the Superintendents designee to review all cases of extended suspension and expulsion. Coordinates student disciplinary hearings and monitors student rights and responsibilities.
• Develops and manages the process for students returning from extended suspension and expulsion.
• Develops alternatives to suspension.
• Coordinates the discipline, and attendance program with other administrators.
• Oversees Student Services and makes recommendations to the Superintendent for the improvement of Education Services, of such as needed.
• Supervises and evaluates Pupil Personnel Workers.
• Supervises the School Health Program through the School Nurse Coordinator.
• Supervises and evaluates the Supervisor of School Counselors.
• Supervises and evaluates the Supervisor of Mental Health Services.
• Works collaboratively with Alternative Education Programs within DCPS and outside contractor services.
• Develops strategies and techniques to implement statewide and local prescribed pupil service programs and accountability requirements.
• Develops a coordinated student services continuum in accordance with appropriate COMAR by-laws.
• Serves as primary school system contact for parent and community complaints.
• Acts as the Title IX coordinator.
• Administers and monitors all activities associated with compliance to federal and state regulations related to relevant areas of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, ESSA Plan, Federal Title Grants, Dorchester County Public Schools Strategic Plan and other various local, state, and federal educational funded programs as assigned.
• Works cooperatively with Budget, Finance, and Purchasing to develop, oversee, and manage the Blueprint for Maryland's Future funding.
• Develops procedures to evaluate program effectiveness in relation to program objectives for all areas within the student service department.
• Initiates staff in-service training programs and staff development programs related to student services programs.
• Monitors, coordinates, and evaluates the effectiveness of school-community programs.
• Supports and implements goals and objectives of the Superintendent and Board of Education.
  • Provides leadership in the area of crisis intervention.
• Serves on agency and community Boards as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Engages in grant writing and management.
• Maintains awareness of state and county requirements and regulations affecting school health programs and disseminates the information as appropriate.
• Coordinates registration procedures for all students.
• Prepares and administers the student personnel services budget, Concentration of Poverty budget and funding, and other grants as needed, in accordance with Marylands Blueprint.
• Collaborates with teachers, principals, and other school personnel in sharing information and understanding about a student and establishes and plans for respective roles in the modification of the students behavior.
• Directs case study services for students including the identification, diagnosis, follow-up, and referral of students with problems related to attendance, mental health, or behavior.
• Writes proposals, administers awarded state and federal grants, and prepares related reports as required.
• Collects statistical data required in planning the educational program.
• Assumes responsibility for the accuracy, validity, and interpretation of student discipline data.
• Reviews and recommends appropriate changes to Board policy and procedures that relate to pupil services.
• Organizes and maintains the student attendance accounting system and supervises the maintenance of student records and reports.
• Monitors the student record system to assure that approved information is kept current in student cumulative record folders.
• Oversees the collection and reporting of student data relating to attendance and discipline.
• Conducts a continuing study of dropouts and graduates.
• Conducts in-service workshops and training and development programs for members of the department, for selected teachers, and other groups as appropriate.
• Will attend appropriate professional development workshops, training, etc.
• Explains and interprets school system policies relating to pupil services to staff and the community.

OTHER DUTIES:The following are examples of the other duties performed:

• Serves as an advocate of students to ensure that each student has an equitable opportunity for education.
• Appraises parents of community services in dealing with education, social, health, and economic issues impacting on students.
• Facilitates appropriate alternative placements of students.
• Collaborates with the school staff in assessing student needs, planning innovative and functional programs, and evaluating program effectiveness for students experiencing difficulty in school.
• Interprets to parents and the public the policies and procedures for the day-to-day administration of our schools.
• Interprets to parents, community groups, and public agencies the systems policies and procedures regarding attendance areas and residence verification.
• Supports schools in helping students to maintain regular, on-time attendance.
• Recruits, screens, assigns, evaluates and trains home and hospital teachers.
• Prepares reports as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Eligible for and hold, prior to appointment, the Maryland State Department of Education Licensure for Administrator I in accordance with COMAR 13A.12.05.05

A Masters Degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

A Minimum five (5) years of successful job related experience, a minimum of five (5) years of leadership or supervisory experience, preferred. Addit