Director of Student Services (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School , a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Director of Student Services to provide leadership and support in meeting the tiered needs of students in behavioral development, academic development, and student social, emotional, and mental well-being. This person analyzes the needs of students across all levels at Falk Laboratory School and assists personnel in developing, implementing, and exploring the ongoing effectiveness of school counseling and educational support.  This is a 12-month position with an anticipated start date of Summer 2024.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Communicating with Intermediate Unit (IU)/other external supports.
• Coordinating student evaluations and referrals.
• Collecting and maintaining student data.
• Facilitating meetings with families, students, and teachers.
• Overseeing educational support funds.
• Planning and coordinating professional development for student services team members and Falk faculty when applicable.
• Coordinating with external service providers (doctors, etc.).
• Ensuring continuity of care for students.
• Developing long-term strategic goals for the student services team and serving as a strategic advisor to the School Director and member of the School Administrative Leadership Group.
• Working with other administrators to continue developing and refining tiers of support and code of conduct.
• Supervising student services team members, including 7 full-time faculty members comprising counselors, specialists, and interventionists.
• Work with division directors to ensure classroom teachers implement student accommodation plans.
• Supporting learning differentiation in classrooms.
• Developing and managing student support teacher schedules to meet each student's instructional needs and priorities.
• Regularly updating other academic teams on the needs and progress of students receiving support.
• Being in partnership with student households to ensure continuity of services both in and outside the School

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits.  Please direct any questions to the search committee chair, Dr. Jill Sarada, at [email protected].  The review of applications will begin in the Spring of 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead people and provide direction.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Student Services and its best practices.
• Knowledge of federal and state legislation related to educational programming for students with needs, IDEA, Title II, Title IV.
• Understanding of child development, cultural diversity, and family systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and colleagues.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace with your ideas and experience.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work as an independent self-starter.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed.
• Demonstrates an open-mindedness, curiosity, and ability to hold multiple perspectives.

Minimum requirements

• Master’s degree in special education, counseling, or similar study area.
• Minimum 9 years classroom experience ; administrative leadership experience preferred.

Materials can be uploaded to join.pitt.edu . For full consideration, please submit: 

1.     Letter of application

2.     A Resume

3.     An educational philosophy that includes ideal classroom experiences

4.     Three letters of recommendation

5.     Official transcripts

6.     PA instructional certificate or equivalent

 The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before commencement of appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check.  If hired, candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work.  Also, as Act 168 of 2014 requires, the candidate must satisfy the requirements on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae/resume, an educational philosophy, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and PA instructional certificate or equivalent.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.