Director of Special Services

The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) started with one mission that was the most ambitious and audacious in U.S. history: to end intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem and lead the way for other long-distressed communities nationwide and around the world to do the same. HCZ breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty with on-the-ground, all-around programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life. From early childhood education and career programs to community outreach and wellness initiatives, HCZ opens pathways to mobility and prosperity. HCZ believes that the pathway to college begins when a child is born and doesn’t end until a student has graduated and has the tools to thrive in a fulfilling career. The organization’s aim is to light that pathway, from cradle to college to career, with community-responsive and wraparound youth programs that support children and their families in every way and in every year of a child’s development.

We are seeking a Director of Special Education and English as a New Language. The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language will serve as the Network instructional leader, responsible for ensuring high-quality instruction to foster a productive learning environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the mission of HCZ Promise Academy, a demonstrated track record of success moving students and using data to inform the big picture, and an understanding and respect for the families and community of Central Harlem.

JOB GOAL:

The Director of Special Education and English as a New Language is responsible for the leadership and coordination of the School’s Special Education Program. The Director of Special Education (SpED)  and English as a New Language (ENL) plans, implements, and supervises SpED Programs, ENL and all related student support services.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

1. Coordination of Special Education and English as a New Language Program

• Oversee a well-articulated Special Education program that is current, comprehensive, and consistent with Promise Academy Charter School pillars of instruction and ensures the implementation of NY Learning Standards.

• Design and implement practices that utilizes multiple measures of data in order to study, research, recommend, and evaluate existing and new programs for modification and implementation by the department.
• All special education/ENL services will be provided appropriately and effectively, with compliance as a minimum and critical threshold;

• Manage plans to address most critical scholar needs (ie: severe levels of behavioral, cognitive, language, medical/health needs);

• Organize regular school Special Services meetings with all educational stakeholders to monitor students' progress;

• Monitor accountability for all roles, systems, and processes related to special education and ENL services;     

• Supervise and coordinate enrollment processes related to SpEd and ENL;

1. All scholars' special education and language needs will be addressed;

2. All special education/ENL teachers and all providers will be held accountable for their responsibilities.

• Plan events to celebrate scholars' progress and growth;

• Assist in the development and coordination of the sections of the budget that pertain to SpEd and ENL;

• Provide specialized instruction to scholars in need during extended learning as needed; and

• Serve as a member of network committees to ensure the consideration of students with disabilities and English language learners

2. Personnel Administration

• Support the Principals and Education Directors in the review of the day-to-day performance, observation, and evaluation of Learning Specialists;

• Ensure that all Special Education Coaches are completing deliverables; and
• Cover assigned compliance-related tasks in the absence of the Special Education Coach.

3. Assessment and Reporting

• Create comprehensive plans using data analysis to support the needs and strengths of all students;
• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Curriculum Instruction, Counseling, and Principals on the development and implementation of a comprehensive K-12 assessment program, the selection of testing instruments, the design of alternative assessments, and the use of testing data to drive instruction; and
• Support School Leadership Team with the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). 

4. Staff Development

• Design and implement in-service programs and professional/staff development experiences for all professional staff and teacher fellows based on network and school priorities for Special Education and English as a New Language instructional improvement.
• Keep abreast of and interpret to the staff the current research in the area of Special Education and English as a New Language, teaching, and learning.

5. School and Community Relations

• Promote ongoing, two-way communications with students, school personnel, parents, and others to enhance the educational program and the Network;
• Participate in related administrative and curriculum meetings for administrators and supervisors;
• Facilitate articulation experiences for instructional and other staff;
• Participate in relevant administrative meetings conducted by the Deputy Superintendent; and
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Committee on Special Education.

6. Professional Development

• Continue own professional growth and development through memberships; attendance at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences; enrollment in advanced courses; and similar activities.
• Stay up-to-date with changes and developments in the profession by attending professional workshops and meetings, reading professional journals and other publications, and participating in other experiences.

7. Other

• Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Deputy Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILL, AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS 

• Master's Degree in related area (e.g., Special Education and English as a New Language) from an accredited college/university
• Minimum of 5 years of administrative/leadership experience
• Deep understanding of NY Learning Standards
• Extensive experience in curriculum development and MTSS/RTI
• Must be able to demonstrate successful administrative experience
• Strong skill set in human relations, communications, problem-solving, and organization.

REPORTS TO: Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

SUPERVISES: Special Education Coaches, Related Service Providers, English as New Language Teachers, and School Psychologist 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Participates in organization meetings to discuss the performance of students with disabilities and English language learners
• Serve as an instructional resource for programming decisions for students with disabilities across the organization
• May be required to participate in zone activities after-school and on the weekends
• Must be accessible for emergencies that require support after work hours and on the weekends.

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full- time benefits include: 

• Highly competitive base salaries
• Paid time off 
• Employee referral bonus 
• Career advancement
• No-cost health insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-and long-term disability
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Wellness discounts
• Commuter benefits
• Financial wellness perks
• Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $140,000-150,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools will not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.