Position is grant funded (guarantee for 1 year)

Primary Purpose:

Coordinate the Stronger Connections grant requirements at Tarkington ISD. Collaborate with district staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and evaluate the Stronger Connections grant.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas school administrator or counseling certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of counseling procedures, federal and state rules and regulations

Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Ability to interpret data

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

3 years experience in administration and/or counseling

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Program Management and Administration

• Establish a Stronger Connections Advisory Team that will collaborate with the Tarkington ISD Support Team, Texas Center for Student Supports, and ESC4 to develop a student support team structure that uses the behavioral threat assessment and data to establish and implement behavioral and academic supports promoting student, family, and educator well-being to improve student achievement.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a balanced, comprehensive, developmental Stronger Connections Program that is consistent with district goals and objectives as outlined in the grant.
• Ensure that future counselors will become interns in the grant program to complete credentials as they are trained in the Texas Center of Student Supports team structure, case management system, and behavioral/academic progress monitoring resources.
• Oversee the implementation of the Stronger Connections systems established through the Texas Center of Student Supports.
• Collaborate and partner with Communities in Schools to employ social workers who will use the Texas Center of Student Supports resources.
• Work with social workers and school counselors to establish linguistically/culturally responsive practices and promote respect, self-regulation, and responsibility; develop nurturing learning environments to build trusting relationships and positive youth behaviors; and offer family engagement and set personal/career goals to improve academic outcomes.
• Evaluate all federal and state legislation, projects, and programs for Stronger Connections Grant, entitlement, and allocation opportunities relevant to the needs of the district and make recommendations regarding participation.
• Participate in the drafting of project proposals and reports, including the writing and development of program goals, objectives, and budget for Stronger Connections Grant funding of programs including preparing and submitting standard applications to Texas Education Agency (TEA).
• Serve as liaison between school and other agencies on joint projects that are funded through the Stronger Connections Grant.
• Monitor the Stronger Connections Grant-funded programs and their expenditures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines and ensure that programs are cost effective and managed wisely.
• Advise superintendent and the Stronger Connections Advisory Team of the financial and administrative impact on the district of current and impending legislation as it relates to the Stronger Connections Grant.
• Develop and implement a continuing evaluation of the Stronger Connections program and implement changes based on the findings.
• Compile budget and cost estimates based on documented program needs.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including mandatory financial reports to TEA.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent district wide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress