What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Behavioral & SEL Supports position at Lawrence Public Schools?
Director of Behavioral & SEL Supports
Reports to: Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services
Location: Districtwide
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Administrator
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Position Overview
The Director of MTSS for Behavioral & SEL Supports leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a districtwide Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for behavior, social-emotional learning (SEL), and student wellbeing.
This role ensures coherent Tier 1 universal practices, targeted Tier 2 interventions, and intensive Tier 3 supports across all schools. The Director provides strategic leadership, coaching, professional learning, and data-driven guidance to strengthen school climate and improve student outcomes.
While this position reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, this position requires strong collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary & Middle Schools, as well as Head of Schools for LHS.
MTSS Systems Leadership ● Supporting the design and implementation of a districtwide MTSS framework for behavioral and SEL supports. ● Establish clear expectations for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports across all schools. ● Align behavioral and SEL systems with Special Education, Counseling, Health Services, ML, and Academics. ● Assist with development of district policies, protocols, and guidance for SEL instruction, behavior intervention, restorative practices, and crisis response.
Data & Continuous Improvement ● Oversee districtwide behavioral data systems, SEL assessments, and early warning indicators. ● Lead data reviews with school MTSS teams to identify trends, root causes, and intervention needs. ● Implement systems for progress monitoring and evaluation of behavioral and SEL programs. ● Produce regular reports on climate, discipline, and intervention effectiveness.
School Support & Coaching ● Provide coaching to principals, assistant principals, MTSS teams, and student support staff. ● Support schools in implementing evidence-based SEL curricula, PBIS, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches. ● Offer consultation on Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, including targeted groups and individualized plans. ● Collaborate with leadership teams to strengthen crisis response systems and re-entry procedures. ● Coordinate in collaboration with the Office of Curriculum & Instructions and Office of Student Support Services, districtwide professional development in SEL, de-escalation, restorative practices, trauma-sensitive schools, and functional behavior supports. ● Build administrator capacity to lead MTSS implementation with fidelity.
Collaboration & Family Engagement ● Coordinate with community mental health agencies, wraparound providers, and youth-serving organizations. ● Coordinate resources and workshops to support family engagement in SEL and behavioral supports. ● Partner with Family Resource Center, Health Services, and Student Support Services to ensure seamless, integrated support. .
Compliance & Reporting ● Ensure compliance with DESE requirements related to student behavior and social emotional learning. ● Oversee implementation of district policies and procedures. ● Coordinate execution of grants related to SEL, mental health, and behavioral initiatives.
Qualifications ● DESE Supervisor/Director certification ● Master’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field required. ● Minimum 5–7 years of experience in school-based behavioral, SEL, or student support leadership. ● Demonstrated expertise in MTSS, PBIS, SEL curriculum, restorative practices, and trauma-informed approaches. ● Strong data analysis, coaching, facilitation, and systems-design skills. ● Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage districtwide initiatives. Preferred Qualifications ● Experience in urban or high-needs school districts. ● Background in crisis response, behavioral health, or clinical coordination. ● Experience supervising student support staff or leading districtwide initiatives.