What are the responsibilities and job description for the Coordinator of Student Life position at Perkins School for the Blind?
Perkins helps kids with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.
Summary:
Under the direction of the Assistant Education Director, the Coordinator of Student Living coordinates the administrative and operational aspects of daily student life, including supervision and training of Teaching Assistant staff; attend to the direct student care, medical and behavioral needs of students throughout the school day including the after school program; facilitates daily coverage plans and transportation, provides direct student support as needed; works closely with the administrative and health services team to support the daily operations of the school.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities and Expectations include the following:
- Maintains appropriate certifications and completes required training hours and mandated trainings, including on-the-job training.
- Assesses program needs and plans accordingly.
- Actively participates in program and campus wide projects and activities, this may include campus-wide safety committees.
- Prioritizes and manages several responsibilities concurrently. Shows initiative in further developing position responsibilities with the supervisor's approval. Makes effective use of time, completes work on schedule, and meets deadlines.
- Demonstrates flexibility adjusting to changes in daily routines, students’ needs, and administrative directives, policies and procedures.
- Shows respect for students, colleagues, administrators, family members, and others by creating and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships. Communicates well and collaborates with staff at all levels and in all departments, family members, outside agency staff, contractors, etc.
- Provides supervisory leadership to enable staff to perform well. Represents and leads the Teaching Assistant team effectively.
- Manages staff and students demonstrating good judgment and effective performance management skills.
- Develops and participates in all facets of staff development, including on-the-job training.
- Participates in teaching assistant staff interviewing and hiring.
- Provides direct care and Individual Education Plan (IEP) based instruction to students throughout the day/week.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the general curriculum as well as the expanded core curriculum (ECC).
- Ensures a safe environment and effectively handles emergencies.
- Works closely with Health Services team to support student feed and medication administration as needed
- Administers medications in compliance with Perkins policies and state regulations.
- To perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.
Supervision Responsibilities:
To administer and manage subordinate staff with assigned responsibilities in daily and educational program activities. Responsible for assisting in the overall administration, direction, coordination, and evaluation of these staff. Performs supervisory responsibilities in accordance with school's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Knowledge and Skills
- Think Courageously: Pave the way for change. Be creative, curious & resilient. Challenge yourself to try, fail and try again. Think big and embrace unconventional approaches.
- Take Ownership: Don’t wait, initiate. Invest fully in your work. Own your choices. Deliver results. Have a bias for action and a dedication to quality.
- Be Collaborative: Create a diverse and inclusive community. Foster positive relationships. Communicate openly & respectfully. Build trust and operate with integrity. Be willing to disagree, commit and keep moving.
- Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Excellent organizational skills
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma, Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred with three (3) years of experience working with special needs children or an equivalent combination of education and experience; First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED); Crisis Prevention and Physical Intervention (CPPI) required; Sign Language (dependent on program needs); valid driver’s license and willingness to drive school vehicles including chair cars.
* Interviews have been completed for this position *
Physical Demands
Generally, the essential functions performed are typical in a school environment and involves working with students requiring lifting or exertion of up to 50lbs.
Work Environment
The work conditions here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in a school classroom, residence or facility environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
If hired as a regular employee at Perkins, we have benefits that put you first, including an employer contributing retirement plan, tuition reimbursement from day one, professional development, personal days, paid time off and paid sick leave. Our campus is quaint, charming and historical, a perfect mix of legacy and modern buildings. It is located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.
Perkins is an equal opportunity employer.
View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination
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