What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Interventions position at Excel Academy Charter Schools?
Organization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
The Dean of Interventions is a crucial school-based administrative position responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of student support services, mental health, and behavioral interventions. This document outlines the key roles and responsibilities of this position.
Leadership and Management
- Oversee and manage the school's counseling and nursing departments
- Directly supervise all counselors, nurses, and behavioral paraprofessionals
- Lead the Student Support Team (SST) meetings and coordinate intervention strategies
- Develop and implement the school's crisis response plan
- Oversee the counseling internship program, providing guidance and mentorship to interns
Direct Student Support
- Provide individual counseling services to a caseload of up to 15 high-needs students
- Case manage complex outside-of-school coordination needs and outplacements
- Develop and implement substance use prevention and intervention programs
- Coordinate and facilitate Tier 3 interventions for students with significant social-emotional needs
Program Development and Implementation
- Design and implement school-wide Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives
- Develop strategies to enhance school belonging and student engagement
- Create and maintain a comprehensive Tier 3 intervention system for mental health needs
- Establish and oversee substance use programming for the school
Collaboration and Communication
- Work closely with school administration, teachers, and staff to ensure coordinated support for students
- Liaise with external agencies, healthcare providers, and community resources to support student needs
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress and interventions
- Participate in and contribute to school leadership team meetings
Data Management and Reporting
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programs and strategies
- Track and report on Tier 3, SEL, and school belonging outcomes
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interventions and progress
- Prepare and present reports on department activities and student outcomes to school leadership and stakeholders
Professional Development
- Stay current with best practices in school counseling, mental health, and intervention strategies
- Provide professional development opportunities for staff related to student support and interventions
- Attend relevant conferences and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge in the field
Compliance and Ethics
- Ensure all interventions and programs comply with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable regulations
- Adhere to and promote the school's policies and procedures related to student support and interventions
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
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License or a plan to pursue DESE required licensure prior to the start date in either:
- Moderate Disabilities or Severe Disabilities
- School Social Work, LMHC, LCSW, or LICSW
- A minimum of three years’ special education teaching experience or school counseling experience in an urban public school or charter school setting is strongly preferred
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through on task completion;
- A high level of discretion and the ability to manage sensitive information confidentially;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience in a public or charter school setting
- Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
- Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
- Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
