NORTHAMPTON COUNTY SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under little or no direct supervision, the Director performs supervisory and administrative tasks in developing, implementing, and managing programs designed to address student support services at all levels including Student Safety and Discipline, oversees discipline referral data from each school and develops school and district discipline reports, provides LEA data regarding drop outs and discipline, School Counselors, Social Workers, and School Nurses. Additionally, the Director of Student Support acts as the school district's McKinney-Vento representative. Employee monitors the overall effectiveness of the programs and coordinates with other divisions, outside agencies and other school systems to bring new ideas to the programs. Employee is responsible for the Student Services federal, state, and local grants. Employee coordinates the efforts of federal, state, local agencies to ensure all programs are implemented under the federal, state, and local regulations. Employee also works on various special projects as assigned. Reports to the Assistant Superintendent.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversees the review and recording of suspension letters and appeals regarding the long-term suspension of students and student assignments appeal hearings; acts as facilitator for the board panel hearings; presents the board panel's recommendation to the full board.
• Receives, reviews, and records completed grievance forms; schedules grievance hearings with parents and school personnel; conducts formal grievance hearings; reviews information and determines the appropriate action regarding grievances.
• Assists other cabinet members in the planning, development, and implementation of Student Services initiatives. Serves as advisor to principals, cabinet members and the superintendent for Student Services.
• Works with the Directors to develop and implement standards, and policies and procedures related to Student Services programmatic areas. Provides oversight in the development of short and long range goals for the division and monitors the progress of various services within Student Services.
• Manages and coordinates school policy updates and procedures. Reviews and revises policies related to student services, discipline, safety, and support programs. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local policy requirements. Communicates policy changes to school administrators, staff, and stakeholders. Maintains documentation of policy revisions and implementation timelines.
• Coordinates peer mediation trainings and services.
• Collaborates with K-12 school counselors regarding essential standards and moving them towards the ASCA national model.
• Ensures that the district is offering a comprehensive counseling program including transitions between levels, course registration, course guide oversight, and college preparedness.
• Interprets laws relating to homeless students (McKinney-Vento Act) and ensures the delivery of mandated services.
• Identifies students experiencing homelessness, maintains a program database and writes reports as required by district, state and/or federal agencies.
• Maintains necessary records ensuring confidentiality of students and their families.
• Acts as a mediator during dispute resolution hearings, provides documentation to the NCDPI and maintains site paperwork.
• Identifies community resources to assist with meeting the needs of students and their families experiencing homelessness.
• Serves as liaison between schools and agencies/facilities, such as homeless shelters, social services, court services, and the police department to coordinate assistance for homeless students.
• Acts as a resource to school-based administrators, social workers, school counselors, teachers and health services personnel regarding homeless students, interpretation of homeless/school attendance policies and laws and record-keeping requirements.
• Assists in development and coordination of district and community resources to provide a safe, disciplined learning environment, including cooperative guidance in the district's safety measures.
• Collaborates with staff to compile and analyze District, State, and Federal discipline data, summaries, and trends to assist in developing responsive prevention and intervention strategies.
• Oversees discipline referral data from each school and develops school and district discipline reports:
  1. Data Manager for Discipline
  2. Provides LEA results reflecting Dropout Rate and Discipline data
• Assists and facilitates school staff with implementing applicable policies and procedures related to student conduct and discipline.
• Provides staff development on student discipline procedures, policy, and legal requirements.
• Presides over, coordinates, and represents school administration in the student discipline hearing process.
• Advises parents, administrators, and other staff regarding student discipline.
• Completes annual review and approval of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Represents the district as a liaison for community agencies.
• Serves as the district liaison with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department and School Resource Officers.
• Oversees the School Social Workers and the district's social work program.
• Oversees the School Nurses and the district's school nurse program, including coordination of the district's agreement with Northampton County and the Northampton County Department of Health.
• Coordinates peer mediation trainings and services.
• Attends PTA, school board and various other community meetings as necessary.
• Serves as the District Liaison for the following:
  1. Administrative Office of the Courts
  2. Northampton County Department of Social Services
  3. Northampton County Drug-Free Schools Project
  4. Northampton Day Treatment

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Master's Degree in an education administration or a related area with a doctorate preferred, and 6 to 9 years of experience as a district administrator or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience and knowledge in Special Education preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the state of North Carolina.