Position Description:

The Elementary School Director of Student Intervention Services at Inwood Academy for Leadership is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of student intervention support programs. This role focuses on ensuring that students with diverse needs receive the necessary resources and interventions to succeed academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. This role requires strong leadership skills, expertise in student support services, understanding of educational interventions, data analysis, collaboration with teachers and families, and a passion for student success.

Reports to:

Elementary School Director

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Coordination:

• Lead and supervise a comprehensive intervention program covering academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance issues.
• Directly supervise the Speech Language Pathologist, Social Worker and ENL Interventionist and other related service providers both on-staff and contracted through the CSE.
• Advise on the design, furnishings, and equipment for classrooms and facilities to support students with special education services.
• Oversee and manage the implementation and effectiveness of Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Uphold and enforce school discipline, attendance, and academic policies.
• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments to identify student needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
• Coordinate the delivery of intervention services, ensuring consistency and alignment with the school's programmatic, curricular and instructional goals.
• Guarantee access to the core curriculum for all students in collaboration with teachers, the student support team, and the school leadership team.
• Continuously monitor and assess school program effectiveness, making data-informed adjustments to improve student outcomes.

Student Needs Assessment and Individualized Intervention Plans:

• Oversee assessments and screenings, including ELL NYS assessments, to identify students attendance, academic, behavioral, and/or social-emotional needs.
• Collaborate with the Committee of Special Education, ENL specialists, teachers, students, families, and any support staff to develop and implement individualized intervention plans including BIPs, that target specific student needs.
• Manage the initial evaluation process for students with potential special education service needs.
• Manage caseload and calendar of students with special education services and the implementation of their IEPs
• Manage and coordinate student programs and schedules in alignment with their individual intervention plans.
• Oversee the creation, dissemination, and review of teacher reports prior to IEP meetings to ensure all documents are completed in a timely manner (according to state, local, and school policies and procedures)
• Facilitate IEP meetings using a strengths-based and family-centered approach as well as identifying resources for parents of students with special needs with the CSE (Committee on Special Education)

Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring:

• Collect and analyze student data to identify trends, areas of need, and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize various assessment tools and data management systems to track student progress and measure the impact of intervention strategies.
• Completes and regularly reports on the effectiveness of intervention programs to school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders including NYSED.
• Ensure the implementation of personalized IEPs and/or any intervention plans and regularly monitor student progress toward established goals making changes as needed.

Staff Development and Collaboration:

• Plan for and facilitate regular student support team meetings and meetings for Special Education and ENL departments.
• Provide professional development opportunities, guidance and support to teachers and staff on evidence-based intervention strategies, differentiated instruction, instructional (classroom management) techniques, assessment tools, and classroom management techniques to meet individual student needs.
• Attends demo lessons and participates in interviews with prospective staff members for Student Intervention, Special Education, ENL Specialists and related services.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive school culture by working closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to student intervention support services.

Family and Community Engagement:

• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with families regarding student progress, intervention plans, and available resources for supporting their child's academic, behavioral, social emotional, attendance, and personal growth.
• Cultivate positive relationships with community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to leverage additional resources and support for students.
• In collaboration with the FACE department, organize and facilitate workshops and informational sessions for families on various topics related to student intervention support.
• Effectively communicate to parents and guardians the special education process including process for referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, a re-evaluations as well as parental rights granted by IDEA.

Compliance

• Advises and monitors the annual budgets for ENL & special education services, including bi-monthly per pupil billing.
• Oversees and directs the allocation of ENL & special education staff in accordance with state and local standards and student needs.
• Reviews federal and state legislation/regulations related to ENL & special education; identifies and shares the impact of changes with the Leadership Team.
• Facilitates compliance with legal mandates, and participates in due process procedures as requested by Leadership.
• Prepares reports and information for charter authorizer, including the Annual Site Review documentation.
• Maintains accurate documentation of ENL & special education service provision (both for on- staff and contracted services).

Research and Stay Abreast of Best Practices:

• Stay current with research and best practices related to academic intervention strategies, instructional techniques, and evidence-based interventions.
• Attend professional development conferences, workshops, and seminars to enhance knowledge and skills in the field of academic interventions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and resources for their potential to enhance intervention services and student outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Education, Special Education, TESOL, Bilingual Education or English as a Second Language (ESL), School Counseling, or a related field
• Bilingual; Spanish preferred
• A minimum of five years of experience in education, with a focus on academic interventions, student support services, or a related area.
• Experience working with students with diverse backgrounds and needs
• Excellent in verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.

Key Skills, Attitudes, and Behaviors:

• Strong leadership skills to support in driving the school's vision, mission, and goals. This includes the ability to motivate and inspire staff, foster a positive school culture.
• Proficient in intervention strategies, research-based instructional techniques, and assessment tools.
• Skilled in data analysis and progress monitoring, capable of effectively interpreting and presenting data.
• Exceptional leadership, time-management, organizational, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders including students, families and staff.
• Well-versed in relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and attendance interventions.
• Demonstrate high ethical standards, integrity, and a commitment to fairness and equity.
• Commitment to self professional growth and development.

About Inwood Academy for Leadership:

Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school that began as an idea among community members who longed to see more educational choices offered to the children of Washington Heights, Inwood and the Bronx.

All staff must be willing to commit to our mission: Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School will empower students in Washington Heights, Inwood and the Bronx to become agents for change through community-focused leadership, character development and college and career preparedness. Our staff regard our student leaders as burgeoning assets to their community and help them develop the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond. IAL is committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience for all students we serve. We are looking for candidates who are hardworking, flexible, and innovative as well as able to embody the IAL traits of leadership in their daily work (honesty, integrity, responsibility, caring and restraint).