Program Director of Specialized Services (BASAS 10) SY26-27

Reports to: Head of School

Melvin H. King South End Academy (MHKSEA) is a 5\-12 therapeutic day school dedicated to supporting students with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. The school offers two distinct programs:

• Melvin H. King Lower School: Serving students in grades 5\-8 at the South End Academy site, 90 Warren Ave., with school hours from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Melvin H. King Upper School: Serving students in grades 9\-12 at the South End Academy site, 90 Warren Ave., with school hours from 7:20 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.

The Melvin H. King South End Academy Director of Specialized Services\- Therapeutic Day School will receive an additional stipend for professional development per week as determined by School Leadership. The Director of Specialized Services will work collaboratively with other administrators, partners, school staff, district liaisons, caregivers and students to support the planning, development, and implementation of IEPs that support students. The Director of Specialized Services for Melvin H. King South End Academy oversees the work of the COSS/COSE and teachers across all programs and provides direct supervision, support, professional development, and other supports. The Director of Specialized Services will work as a member of a collaborative leadership team to ensure delivery of high quality social, emotional, and therapeutic programming across all MHKSEA programs with an emphasis on curriculum, assessment and instruction across all grade levels.

Responsiblities:

• Ensure quality and compliance of the IEP (Individualized Education Program) for 100% of students; ensure all accommodations are implemented with integrity and fidelity.

Provide training and professional development on Special Education laws and topics as well as disability categories: IDEA, FAPE, Massachusetts DESE regulations., specifically 603 CMR 18\.00: Program and Safety Standards for Approved Public or Private Day and Residential Special Education School Programs and 603 CMR 28\.00: Special Education Regulations.*

• Provide training and professional development on Curriculum and Assessment including: HQIM, UDL, SDI, Disciplinary Literacy, Vocabulary, Writing, SEL practices, Project and Competency Based Learning, and more.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data literacy and the ability to navigate multiple digital platforms. Knowledge of ASPEN, EdPlan, Google Suite, Panorama, and other relevant systems is required. Lead professional development focused on data use and systems alignment to ensure staff can effectively integrate these platforms into planning, documentation, and decision\-making.
• Ensure data is aligned to exit/entry criteria at MHKSEA and sending schools.
• Partner with COSE and attend IEP meetings as requested.
• Lead the Instructional Leadership Team (ILT)
• Collaborate as a team member to ensure delivery of trauma informed school practices using an MTSS framework with high quality interventions
• Evaluate and supervise the staff designated in collaboration with the MHKSEA Leadership Team using the Evaluator as Coach model and Vector platform.
• Consult with IEP teams in preparation for Annual Reviews and Evaluation meetings as needed to support determining appropriate ongoing services for students through the use of data and team input, including the student, caregiver, partners, etc.
• Collaborate with the Transition Director to create and maintain a smooth and viable relationship between school, transition team, student, and employer.
• Work across all 5\-12 programs and work closely and collaboratively with the broader administrative team including Program Directors, Clinical Director, Transition Director, and Principal/Head of School;fill in for program based Program Directors as needed.
• Stay current with best practices and research; share information and knowledge with programs through various means.
• Partner with the Office of Secondary Schools, Office of Specialized Services, Teaching \& Learning and other BPS departments to cultivate policies, procedures and protocols aligned with the MHKSEA vision and mission and to inform assessment, curriculum and instruction
• Partner with Office of Secondary Schools, Office of Specialized Services, Teaching and Learning to inform Collaborate as a team member to ensure delivery of trauma informed school practices using an MTSS framework with high quality interventions
• Responsible for filling in for Program Director in grades 5\-12 as needed and/or as requested by the Principal/Head of School.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Principal/Head of School.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: Master’s Degree
• Licensure as a Special Education Administrator OR Licensure as a Principal/Assistant Principal, Supervisor/Director with a Moderate Disabilities teaching license
• SEI Endorsement
• Three (3\) years of education experience in a therapeutic day school setting
• Three (3\) years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of best current practices in trauma informed practices and therapeutic day school programming and experience developing innovative student programming,
• Demonstrated leadership qualities, supervisory skills, and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with staff, students, teachers, administrators, partners, and caregivers to effectively support students.
• Knowledge of legal protections for all students and particularly those with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness, and system involved youth
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Compassionate and inclusive leader with superior interpersonal skills including but not limited to the ability to express disagreement tactfully, sensitively and with cultural insight as well as ability to succession work and collaborate with diverse groups of people
• Ability to develop and coordinate professional development
• Knowledge of Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices (CLSP) and how to implement them at the school and individual levels
• Proficiency in Google Suite. Skilled in the use of technology to support effective communications, presentation design and delivery, and data management
• Current authorization to work in the United States \- Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment.

Qualifications Preferred:

• ESL Licensure
• More than (3\) years of education experience in a therapeutic day school setting
• Background in counseling including LSW, LICSW, LMHC or other counseling licensure
• National Board Certification in Special Education
• Grant writing experience
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish, Cabo Verdean, or Haitian Creole is required to communicate with a diverse student and staff base effectively.
• Familiarity with Boston and Boston Public Schools.

Terms:*

• BASAS, Group 10, 208 days plus differential for required additional time and work

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record, physical or mental disability, pregnancy or pregnancy\-related conditions, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics, natural or protective hairstyle, military status, immigration status, English language proficiency, or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias\-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process, please contact the Accommodations Unit at accommodations@bostonpublicschools.org.