Dean of Students

The NWESD aspires to be 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 Dean of Students will lead and coordinate a variety of support programs for students. This is a key building-leadership position. The Dean of Students provides support at the building and classroom levels to ensure positive climate and productive student performance.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Assists the Program Administrator in supervision of classified staff, planning, supporting assigned work, training, interviewing and selecting employees.
• Provides leadership and support for the building in discipline, behavior intervention, and student supervision based on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Establishes partnerships with parents and community to best support students.
• Assists the Program Administrator with oversight, coordination, and support to staff by performing classroom consultations, assisting with student interventions (including physical containments as necessary), mentoring, evaluating outcomes per individualized educational program (IEP) goals and objectives, identifying and coordinating the implementation of ‘Best Practices’ models, and establishing and maintaining effective data collection and reporting systems.
• Provides leadership, support and professional development as intervention models are implemented in the school to meet student needs including attendance, behavior, safety, and social/emotional programs.
• Collaborates on school safety and emergency preparedness.
• Provides campus supervision including before school, after school and lunch.
• Provides support and leadership for student activities, student programs, parent programs, etc.
• Attends professional growth sessions for the purpose of keeping professional knowledge current with changing laws and regulations.
• Substitutes in classrooms as needed.
• Assists the Program Administrator in developing the school calendar, protocols for office operations, and systems for attendance monitoring; oversight of site vehicles; procuring and coordinating the use of equipment and technology; food service coordination; and overseeing the maintenance and confidentiality of required records.
• Protects confidentiality of records and information about students and staff and uses discretion when sharing any such information within legal confines.
• Complies with all district policies and the Code of Professional Conduct.
• Contributes to the creation of a positive school environment conducive to teaching and learning.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing the conduct and education of special education students.
• Knowledge of research and practices related to school-wide behavioral support, including applied behavior analysis, and ability to use a variety of observational and interviewing skills.
• Knowledge, experience, and training relative to recognizing good professional performance, capabilities, and development.
• Knowledge, experience, and training with attendance and behavior management systems.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications, group facilitation, conflict resolution skills, and problem-solving strategies.
• Skills and ability in organization, time management, task prioritization, and record keeping.
• Skills demonstrating a high level of integrity, commitment, and work ethic.
• Ability to connect with students, staff, and community members, including experience working with community support groups/agencies.
• Ability to successfully motivate others and facilitate adult learning and work sessions.
• Ability to use data to drive instructional and program decisions, and use of data analysis protocols to develop learning goals.
• Ability to work collaboratively and productively with NWESD administrators, staff, parents, community members, and students.
• Ability to effectively use collaborative decision-making in a team environment.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and work effectively under pressure using sound judgment, including appropriate handling of confidential matters.
• Ability to use computers and/or electronic equipment to fulfill job functions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Counseling, or related field, and a minimum of five years of successful experience teaching or working with Emotional/Behavioral Disorder (EBD) students in an educational, correctional education, or mental health setting preferred.
• Washington State Teaching Certificate required;
• Administrator or Principal credential preferred.
• WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification required or be willing to obtain.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an educational environment for at-risk and/or students with special needs in which continual observation and awareness of the surroundings are critical. Must be physically capable of performing de-escalation techniques and self-defense. Lift and carry a maximum of 40 pounds. Travel is routinely required. 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. Due to the nature of the population of the school, hazards include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, hitting, fighting, throwing of objects, 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.