About Mastery:Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 24 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students.
At Mastery, we're on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices.
Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated.
Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.The Opportunity:The goal of the Director of Specialized Services, Transition Services (DoSS, Transition) is to ensure our students with disabilities persist at a postsecondary pathway of their choosing that appropriately meets their individual needs. To do so, the DoSS, Transition will have a leading role in developing and overseeing Transition programming that incorporates both interest and ability and aligned supports and services, with a particular focus on students receiving low-incidence programming. Additionally, the DoSS, Transition, will provide direct dotted line supervision of specialized services (including but not limited to Special Education and Related Services, Multilingual Programs. Academic Interventions, Social Work, And Social Emotional Interventions), to support Mastery Students in both Philadelphia and Camden.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Develop a comprehensive Transition Program for students in grades 7-12th (including students within the 18-21 programs) that includes Goal Setting, Services and Courses that can be implemented across Mastery Secondary Schools.
- Develop partnerships with outside agencies to enhance our Transition Programming options for students.
- Support Transition Coordinators across the network
- Remain current on state and federal regulations around transition services
- Develop a data-driven approach for providing Transition services to students who participate in low-incidence programming.
- Collaborate on transition-related and other PD offerings for CAs, CCs, TCs, and CMs
- Support PSAT/SAT for students with disabilities across the network
- Support C3/Early Alumi summer support for SWDs
- Support APSS and CMs with transition goals and services in IEPs
- Work closely with the network specialized services team to develop a vision on what is world-class service for special needs students and communicate and execute that vision appropriately
Other Job Functions:
- Manage a caseload of schools to provide direct support to the Assistant Principal and Lead Case Manager on Specialized Services
- Train all relevant staff members on specialized services specific issues and knowledge relevant to their position
Qualifications:- Expert level knowledge of state and federal regulations and compliance structures.
- Strong content knowledge within Special Education Services with a special focus on Transition Services for student 14
- Strong knowledge in implementation and monitoring of specialized services programs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented and highly organized with strong analytical writing skills
- Has experienced a high level of measurable success working with urban youth with special needs
- Ability to work well in a team and enhance cooperative working relationships
- Excels in problem solving, has a sense of humor and has a desire to provide only the highest quality education for all students.
Education and Experience:- 5 years experience working with children with special needs.
- Bachelor's degree in special education and specialized services
- Minimum of 5 years of school based leadership and management experience
Physical/Environmental:- Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as required, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as: traveling to network campuses; maneuvering in office spaces (including standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, speaking loudly and clearly, seeing and hearing things both near and far away); stooping, kneeling, reaching file cabinets/shelves; fine finger and hand manipulation in use of computer, chalkboard, dry erase, &/or projectors; filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; sitting for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse, and typing.
Other Requirements:- Position requires local &/or regional travel to Mastery and other sites. Must have valid driver's license and vehicle, or access to reliable transportation.
Mastery's Benefits Package:We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our
403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (
with a 5% match from Mastery),
enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust
Employee Assistance Program,
mental health and counseling programs, an annual
Professional Development Fund, and
discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a
Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics!
Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!Mastery's Annual Calendar:As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our PA Academic Calendar for SY 23/24 and our NJ Academic Calendar for SY 23/24. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!
Mastery Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.