Behavioral Health & Prevention Services Assistant Director

The NWESD values a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve.  We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Assistant Director is responsible for assisting the Director by providing leadership and supervision to the department as it assists school districts in working toward developing and maintaining a safe school environment that supports student learning.  Assistance includes, but is not limited to: providing staff development and training; curriculum development and implementation; technical assistance with policies and procedures with district activities; coordinate grant opportunities; and collaboration with multiple partners around providing a safe school environment for students and employees.

Essential Functions:

• Directly supervises administrative assistants, or others assigned. Supervision may include scheduling, planning and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing the work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Provides initiative in developing and coordinating trainings for school staff and families around issues that interfere with a safe learning environment.
• Pursues on-going professional development by attending conferences, reading and performing extensive research.
• Provides leadership, technical assistance, and training to Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Department projects and grants.
• Pursues applications of competitive grants pursuant to Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Department needs. Assists with technical writing such as grants, needs assessments, and maintaining inventories on a database.
• Participates in the development and management of assigned budgets to maintain and improve delivery of services to students. Effectively manages all resources to accomplish goals. Assists with administering fiscal aspects of cooperative programs which involves the development and monitoring of program budget and tracking and approving expenditures. Tracks revenues for cooperative programs and manages billings to school districts.
• Advocates for the educational needs of “at-risk” students to schools, families, and communities throughout the NWESD.
• Networks and collaborates with numerous agencies and serves on committees to carry out the goals and objectives of the department. Represents the Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Department and NWESD with professional groups.
• Assists as a liaison to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Local Education Agencies in preparing program proposals, implementing approved grants, and in preparing for the program review process as requested.
• Provides inservice training as requested by school districts or the Director.
• Collaborates with other departments in the NWESD to collectively work towards successful student achievement.
• Works collaboratively with the Director to carry out the mission and goals of the Behavioral Health and Prevention Services Department. Assists with department activities when the Director is not available.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the needs of educational programming and appropriate curricula for students who are at risk for educational failure.
• Knowledge of school district and cooperative program finance and funding resources and the ability to manage such.
• Knowledge of assistive technology and on-line curriculum resources.
• Public speaking and presenting skills.
• Knowledge of child development, child psychology, and behavior management techniques.
• Knowledge of effective supervisory, leadership, and decision-making techniques and ability to apply them.
• Knowledge of needs analysis and program development for department programs and services.
• Knowledge of “best practice” in the prevention/intervention field and ability to apply to program development.
• Knowledge of effective teaching and training techniques and the ability to apply them.
• Knowledge of pertinent state and federal requirements and regulations related to grants and oversight.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to evaluate effectiveness of programs and the ability to make recommendations for restructuring or for alternative program designs.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff. Ability to listen, collaborate, & facilitate dialogue and problem solving among and between staff.
• Ability to anticipate and analyze program needs and services desired by Local Education Agencies. Ability to develop cooperative programs and services based upon the needs of students and districts.
• Ability to problem solve and constructively manage crisis and high stress situations.
• Ability to mediate conflict resolution and facilitate group discussion.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Board members, Superintendent, school district staff and administrators, advocacy groups and parents, legal advisors, OSPI staff, higher education staff/administrators, facility managers, community service providers, and the public.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning preferred, Bachelor’s Degree required.  A minimum of three years of supervisory experience in a leadership position in a school setting.  An academic background, or equivalent work experience in a field related to youth development such as education, psychology, sociology, social work, or nursing field.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed approximately 50% in an office environment and approximately 50% traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 40 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.