24-25 Special Education Therapeutic Program Director (SEEK)

Job Goal:  We are seeking an experienced and passionate Director to lead and manage our therapeutic school-based program, SEEK.  The ideal candidate will oversee the implementation of therapeutic interventions, collaborate with educators and mental health professionals, and ensure the program’s success in providing comprehensive support to students. The Director will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations, developing program strategies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. This role requires expertise in social-emotional supports, special education, and the logistics of running a school-based program.

The essential functions and duties listed are reflected in the various types of work and duties performed. Any omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

Qualifications:

• MA DESE Administrator of Special Education 
• Master’s Degree, with specialization in special education and at least 3-5 years experience in special education in public schools, working with students with emotional disabilities or in a therapeutic setting 
• Knowledge of and experience in evidence-based strategies for working with students with Social/Emotional disabilities
• Experience in setting up and using data monitoring systems for student outcomes related to behavioral progress
• Experience in coaching school-based staff in behavioral strategies. Experience in providing professional development to teachers and other school staff.
• Experience in establishing program based token economy and level system

Preferred Qualifications:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification (BCBA)
• Experience working as administrator of program for students with emotional disabilities
• DESE School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor License and LICSW
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working with emotionally disturbed children/adolescents in a clinical or educational therapeutic milieu in which s/he was providing direct, clinical services.
• Experience providing clinical supervision to a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate competence in a range of therapeutic modalities including individual, group and family therapies
                  

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about effective and meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities
• Depth of knowledge regarding special education laws, regulations, processes and procedures
• Able to solve problems in a timely manner and knowing when to seek others’ input prior to decision-making
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills enabling information sharing and the development of trusting relationships with parents, staff and administrators
• Proven supervision and evaluation skills
• Experience working with and leading a team

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the therapeutic school-based program (SEEK), ensuring it aligns with the organization's mission and meets the needs of students.
• Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of special educators, therapeutic counselor, BCBA and support staff.
• Develop and implement social-emotional learning (SEL) supports for students, ensuring that therapeutic interventions are integrated into the educational experience.
• Collaborate with school leadership, parents, and external providers to develop individualized educational and therapeutic plans.
• Ensure the program follows all state and federal regulations, guidelines, and best practices in education, special education, and therapeutic interventions.
• Monitor the academic progress and success of students within the program, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize outcomes.
• Lead the development and implementation of behavioral and social-emotional supports tailored to students with diverse needs.
• Manage program logistics, including scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of services to ensure smooth operation and high-quality service delivery.
• Ensure the program fosters a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
• Develop and implement professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness in a therapeutic school setting.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, including mental health providers, to ensure comprehensive support for students.
• Provide leadership and guidance in crisis management situations and address behavioral or emotional challenges in a proactive and constructive manner.
• Coordinate behavior management strategies and implement social/emotional curriculum
• Coordinate positive reinforcement efforts in conjunction with other staff
• Maintain appropriate records and reports including input of behavior data
• Work with the Director of Special Education, Special Education administrative team and building administration to lead a vision of meaningful programming, inclusion and therapeutic support for students in the SEEK Program.

Terms of Employment:

Full Time

Work Days and Salary: According to the SAA Collective Bargaining Agreement

Union Affiliation: Somerville Administrator's Associaion (SAA)

Reports to:  Director of Special Education

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.