Director of Children's Services

FLSA Status:                     Exempt, Full-time, Monday – Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. and as needed
 

Organization:                   Orange Grove Center is committed to supporting people with intellectual and

                                           developmental (IDD) disabilities in their achievement of meaningful, healthy lives.

                                           Our mission is “to recognize, support, and celebrate the qualities of the individual”

                                           and this mission is at the forefront of every organizational decision.

Position Summary:     The Director of Children Services (Director) reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and provides leadership, oversight, and guidance for the Orange Grove School (OGS). The Director works within the overall culture of the organization and establishes processes, systems, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the OGS operates in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, contractual obligations, and internal policies. The Director demonstrates and encourages best person-centered practices. The Director is the lead OGS administrator, is often referred to as Principal, and designs and evaluates the special education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. This includes oversight of all aspects of OGS including vocational programs, behavior support, therapies, and medical needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Overview

• Serve as the OGS expert.
• Monitor regulatory compliance and contractual requirements and communicate obligations to applicable parties.
• Establish and analyze performance metrics to identify and implement improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies that align with Orange Grove’s mission, short-term, and long-term goals.
• Analyze, trend, and present data and initiatives with the OGS team, Education and Employment Board Committee, and Orange Grove administrators.
• Ensure quality personnel performance, budgetary oversight, and outcome effectiveness.
• Provide training, consultation, and technical assistance to OGS employees.

Strategic Leadership

• Work with Teachers, DSPs, other employees, and community partners to develop and enhance school programming, enrichment and curriculum.
• Communicate consistently and effectively with employees, students, and families to promote a transparent and person-centered educational culture.
• Provide ongoing training and mentoring to employees.
• Demonstrate strategic judgment in hiring, disciplining, and planning.
• Build and strengthen relationships with collaborative partners and school systems.
• Develop and monitor annual budget that will support identified services.
• Schedule and present training during in-services for employees.
• Oversee PARC admission process and report new student admittance in Director’s meetings.
• Schedule and monitor evaluation procedures for employees.
• Monitor the delivery of services as stated in each student's IEP/ISP.
• Participate in IEP/ISP meetings as needed.
• Perform observations and school visits with student referrals.
• Update and oversee distribution of OGS paperwork for fall registration, Camp Osage, and ongoing communications.
• Schedule monthly Fire Drills, quarterly tornado drills, and bi-annual armed intruder drills with the Logistics Director.
• Maintain Fire & Safety records and documentation of drills.
• Monitor the maintenance and safe environment of classrooms.
• Develop, in conjunction with the CFO, the annual OGS operating calendar.
• Complete Department of Education paperwork, Title paperwork, and voucher program requirements annually and as needed.
• Approve schedules and timecards of direct employee reports.

Culture and Engagement

• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability throughout OGS.
• Serve as liaison with oversight bodies, regulators, and Local Education Authorities.
• Support the engagement of OGS personnel to collaboratively achieve student outcomes.
• Demonstrate flexibility in tasks and responsibilities to meet the needs of the OGS.

Organizational Oversight

• OGS Administrator
• Lead spokesperson for the OGS
• Osage Summer Camp
• Implement Person-Centered Organizational Standards
• Implement CQL National Accreditation Standards
• Participate in weekly PRERT Committee
• Participate in weekly organizational leadership meetings
• Participate in monthly Board Committee meetings
• Review and input into organizational policy changes

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available
• 401(k) Safe Harbor retirement plan with 4% match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development support

Qualifications:

Required

• Master’s degree in education, special education, and/or school administration
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program supervision
• Commitment to student success
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal, coaching, and leadership skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and objectivity
• Good overall physical health and personal stamina. A physical examination, including TB skin test or chest x-ray is required prior to employment.
• Fitness to conduct essential duties within the office environment and classroom environment, while conducting periodic travel to community meetings and training courses
• Compliance with Drug Free Workplace policy

Preferred

• Doctorate in education, special education, and/or school administration
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to special education and the operation of a Category 1 Private School
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing school leadership strategies that advance student, teacher, and organizational achievement
• Understanding of Special Education programming assessment and measurement tools
• Knowledge of Procedural Safeguards and IEP compliance regulations
• Knowledge of mandated state testing requirements/procedures
• Knowledge of Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) and behavioral support interventions
• Experience working in or with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with electronic databases and analytic technologies