Network Associate Director of Student Support

Who We Are: 

Prospect Schools is a high-performing, intentionally diverse K-12 college preparatory charter network serving nearly 3,000 students across seven schools in Brooklyn. We are a growing organization and expanding our network across Brooklyn from 6 to 9 schools in the coming academic year. Prospect Schools models its curriculum on the renowned International Baccalaureate Program, a rigorous program that raises the level of academic responsibility for students while preparing them to be global citizens. Our network is dedicated to the mission of preparing a diverse student body to have a positive impact on society and develop a lifelong passion for learning, guided by our core values:

• Curiosity: Develop sound judgment and intellect by asking questions confidently and thinking critically

• Care: Support others by grounding every action in empathy while championing equity and inclusion

• Persistence: Grow and learn by solving problems with determination, creativity, and tenacity

• Passion: Succeed by approaching challenges with excitement, enthusiasm, and self-assurance

The Opportunity: 

The Associate Director of Student Support (ADSS) serves as a compliance leader and instructional partner to the Prospect Schools’ Student Support Services (SSS) team, carrying out a vision for a rigorous student support program that aligns to the larger vision of Prospect Schools and research-based best-practices as they pertain to exceptional learners.

The ADSS provides K-12 compliance oversight, implementation support, and capacity building to further the development and execution of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and multilingual learner support across the network. The ADSS works with the Network Director of Student Support as well as with city- and school- leaders to ensure understanding of legal and best practices in supporting exceptional learners. Positioned within the Teaching & Learning Team, the ADSS reports directly to the Network Director of Student Support (NDSS).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Systems and Compliance Oversight:

• Provide reliable, centralized information on students with IEPs and 504s, including Accommodations Walk Throughs

• Support the coordination of divisional handoff meetings for teams supporting exceptional learners

• Manage processes related to Special Education compliance and complaints (including Impartial Hearings and State Complaints) by working with the Network Director of Student Support and the General Counsel to follow established protocols and support team members in preparing documentation and testimony

• Support special education billing, including maintaining an accurate Class Type Numbers spreadsheet of student recommended programs and minutes, developing accuracy-enhancing measures to further these processes, and inputting data into Vendor Portal

• Complete reports and provide records requested by network team members and outside partners where they relate to compliance

• Communicate regularly with IEP Coordinators, problem solving, and escalating as needed to CSE leadership in collaboration with Network DSS to improve the outcomes for exceptional students

• Own the staffing of related service providers at all campuses by outreach and coordination between various New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) offices, campuses, and agencies. Work to minimize vacancies and maximize retention through partnerships and problem solving

• Maintain positive professional partnerships and collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders, including the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and various New York City Public Schools offices, such as the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT), the Office of School Health (OSH), and Related Service Agencies in order to carry out the functions of the role

• Supervise systems that relate to Multilingual Learner (ML) compliance and testing at our network of schools, including training and supporting NYSESLAT and NYSITELL testing

Leadership coaching, capacity building, and implementation leadership: 

• Support and develop school-based IEP Coordinators, including meeting individually at a regular cadence, hosting regular cohort spaces, and providing input for their performance evaluation 

• Provide templates and protocols for use in IEP systems, including Teacher Report creation, information management, family communication, and other areas

• Provide coaching and support for positive family engagement and communication strategies for IEP Coordinators and other network professionals

• For a small number of families with specialized concerns, serve as primary point of contact to expedite processes and communications between stakeholders

• With the support of the Director of Student Supports, clarify and publish expectations for IEP case managers

• Facilitate professional development and provide feedback to IEP Coordinators on their turnkey of the same, collaborate with NDSS to help guide the creation of a suite of professional development materials and experiences that offer a robust set of options and experiences to further staff knowledge and buy in around accessibility and support for exceptional learners

• Organize and conduct accommodations walkthroughs across the K-12 network as part of a regular cadence of meetings and co-observations with IEP Coordinators

• With the support of the NDSS, host events that engender meaningful family engagement, including hosting or managing school-based events that inform families about our programs, allow community engagement, and enhance coordination between home and school

• Ensure the implementation of parent counseling and training sessions for families of students with this IEP service mandate by partnering with schools to develop accountable practices, and/or leading these sessions directly

• Support campuses in the development and implementation of 504 plan-related processes, based on guidance from the NDSS

• In coordination with the Director of Student Supports, aid campuses in the implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) by serving as an escalation pathway for matters related to paraprofessional logistics and staffing

About You

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, preferably education

• Strong data management, analysis, tracking and monitoring skills

• Clear communication skills in writing and in person

• Proficiency in SESIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite

• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple competing deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 or more years of proven success leading compliance and accessibility and special education initiatives in schools or school systems

• Extensive knowledge of New York City educational agencies, including the CSE, OSH, OPT, related service system, and state systems as they relate to exceptional and multilingual learners

• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across a diverse groups of professionals across multiple schools, departments and leaders to achieve unified, consistent practices across a K-12 continuum

• Experience coordinating and delivering adult professional development for a variety of internal and external stakeholders

Our Ideal Candidate

• Strong alignment to Prospect Schools' mission and commitment to intentionally diverse, inclusive, college-preparatory education

• Willing and able to travel across our Brooklyn campuses to lead initiatives and collaborate with colleagues

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to proactively communicate, build relationships, and problem-solve

• Strong critical thinking

• Student- and family-centered orientation

• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with network and school-based teams

• Self-reflective, solutions-oriented, and responsive to feedback

**The critical features of this role are described above but not all encompassing.**

Salary:

The salary range for this role starts at $90,000, then increases based on years of experience. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity, and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. At Prospect Schools we remain committed providing competitive salaries

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or Paid Sick Time (PST) based on date of hire and hours worked per week

• 401(K) and Roth IRA with a 4% employer match with a 3-year vesting schedule

• Flexible spending accounts, including Transit Commuter Options, Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA options

• Ancillary insurance, including Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program with free expert support services to assist with a variety of life issues, from family care to mental health services

• PTO buy back policy

EEO and ADA Statement:

Prospect Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We actively recruit, hire, and retain a diverse and inclusive staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Prospect Schools is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance you may contact us at: careers@prospectschools.org.

The essential functions of this job are described above; they may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.