Assistant Director - Student Affairs & Advocacy

Job Description

Job Title

Job Title: Assistant Director, Student Affairs and Advocacy

Location: Office of Partnerships and Innovations

Salary: $76,484 - $103,799

Reports to: Senior Director, Student Affairs and Advocacy

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits: Yes

Telecommunting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 40% ( two days per week)

Position Summary:

The Office of Student Affairs and Advocacy (SAA) is seeking an Assistant Director. The ideal candidate will provide effective leadership, implementation, and support for behavioral and social processes and programs that contribute to the success of student's K-12 experience at Detroit Public Schools Community District. The Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Advocacy will conduct disciplinary hearings and make decisions on appropriate disciplinary actions for students who have violated school policies or codes of conduct. They should have a strong understanding of school policies and legal regulations, excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain impartial and fair in making decisions about student discipline. The Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Advocacy will assist in providing leadership and coordination of behavioral and social programs and school safety initiatives for the District. In collaboration with the school's behavioral processes, this position plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public school administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
  

• A Master's or Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
  

• At least four (4) years' experience working in a K-12 educational setting and/or directly with school-age children.
  

• Experience as a K-12 education administrator preferred.
  

• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
  

• Demonstrated experience with student discipline laws, rules, regulations, procedures, Exceptional Education, and 504's.
  

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills, particularly in interactions with students, families, and staff.
  

• Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills in addressing behavioral issues and disciplinary cases.
  

• Demonstrated experience in developing procedures, processes, and plans focused on promoting student success through positive behavior and restorative practices.
  

• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods through multiple platforms including Office 365 tools, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  

• The ability to remain impartial and fair in decision-making.
  

• Experience in a similar role or within the field of student affairs and advocacy is preferred.
  

Essential Functions:

Analyze behavior and discipline data and develop strategies to address root causes.

Provide targeted, individualized support to specific schools based on their discipline/Code of Conduct trends in data including school assemblies, meetings with the CLT (Culture & Climate Leadership Team), student groups, staff meetings, parent meetings, etc.

Proactively partner with school administrators on disciplinary issues to identify and engage alternative support programs and resolutions that minimize student suspension and expulsion and focus on support and restoration of the student and the school community.

Collaborate with FACE (Family and Community Engagement) and other departments to host Town Halls and Community Meetings on relevant topics to support broader understanding regarding the consequences for Code infractions as well as resources available to support students and their families.

Expand active partnerships with organizations that provide support and response to students relevant to Code infractions.

Facilitate fair and impartial Code of Conduct student hearings and student appeal hearings that implement a structured process consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, 7 Factors, laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions concerning student discipline.

Maintain a strong understanding of school policies and relevant legal regulations. Ensure that all disciplinary actions are compliant with school policies and legal standards.

Provide timely and detailed communication regarding student hearing outcomes, including behavioral expectations and expectations, and additional student support.

Develop a suite of student courses and resources connected to specific infractions that will be assigned as part of the disciplinary/restorative process.

Develop and update documents that show a thorough understanding of DPSCD Board of Education policies, laws, disciplinary codes and processes, student rights, and statutory and legal responsibilities.

Develop a catalog of presentations for school and community use related to the Code of Conduct, Restorative Practices, promoting positive behavior strategies, Expect Respect, resources for students and families, and information regarding specific behaviors and/or infractions.

Design and lead professional development and presentations for building administrators, staff, students, and the community.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments, school administrators, central office staff, students, families/guardians, community partnerships, and juvenile court representatives.

Assist in providing leadership for behavioral and social programs within the school. Coordinate school safety initiatives and programs to promote a secure learning environment.

Work collaboratively with the school's behavioral processes and staff. Play a critical role in maintaining a respectful and safe learning environment for all students.

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

All DPSCD employees are required to disclose their vaccine status, however COVID-19 vaccines are¿strongly encouraged but not required.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at¿ [email protected] ¿ or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.