Director, Alternative Placements
CESA 6 is seeking to hire a full-time Director, Alternative Placements beginning with the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The Director, Alternative Placements will primarily be responsible to lead, direct, advocate and oversee the operations associated with the CESA 6 alternative school programs. This position will ensure that quality services are provided to students, along with offering guidance and support to the alternative programs and district staff, aligned with state and federal laws and the Agency's mission and strategic plan.
Direct responsibilities of this position include, but is not limited to the following:
• Advocate to administration for the needs of Alternative Schools Program staff to maximize their ability to perform their responsibilities.
• Observe student(s) to assist staff/districts with determining the level/type of service needed and the development of instructional/behavioral plans including a functional behavior analysis and behavioral intervention plan.
• Guide placement procedures and participate in placement meetings, as assigned, for newly referred students.
• Communicate with parents regarding the impact of the disability on the child’s development and the family unit.
• Oversee and support all projects, products and services designed, delivered and supported by the Alternative Schools Program.
• Build relationships, advocate and influence ideas with internal and external customers and stakeholders.
• Represent the agency and school districts to DPI pertaining to Alternative Education.
• Develop knowledge and expertise in regards to state and federal law as it pertains to Special Education.
• Create and facilitate the department mission and vision.
• Build and progress monitor the Department Plan on a Page in alignment with the Division Plan on a Page.
• Provide department staff timely communication in a structured format related to agency, division and department level information.
• Develop long-term strategies and sponsor key initiatives to promote and achieve a culture of service excellence and employee engagement.
• Perform annual outcomes to align with KPIs.
• Develop, maintain and administer a sales and marketing plan that can be executed by the department that meets the aims of the agency.
• Develop, collaborate and proactively monitor the Alternative Schools Program budget.
• Collaborate, manage, lead and develop a diverse work team.
• Conduct and/or support the coaching and evaluation of all Alternative School team members.
• Define discrete roles and responsibilities for team members and delegate work.
• Build and progress monitor the annual individual expected outcomes for Alternative Schools Program staff.
• Collaborate with HR in the recruitment, selection, assignment, contracts and evaluation of department personnel.
Qualifications and skills for this position include:
• Solid educational background including a Bachelor’s degree in education or related field and Master’s degree in educational administration.
• Licensed by Wisconsin DPI in the area of Special Education with a minimum of 5 years experience.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification in NonViolent Crisis Intervention Training preferred.
• Prior experience in behavioral self-contained classrooms or segregated facilities preferred.
• Extensive and current knowledge of specific disabilities, including appropriate instructional techniques/methods, behavioral interventions, and effective classroom organization and structure.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and policies on state and federal laws related to programming for alternative education.
• Model the core values of the agency.
• Ability to work independently and lead and collaborate with diverse work teams.
• Process-oriented.
• Ability to interpret and administer policies and procedures consistently and objectively.
• Communicate effectively and timely, verbally and in writing, to a diverse audience.
• Plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Remain flexible in order to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Excellent time-management with ability to manage schedules and meet deadlines.
• Problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
• Work accurately with close attention to detail.
• Exhibit a high degree of confidentiality of sensitive information and process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Work effectively, professionally and tactfully with internal agency staff and external clients.
• Ability to set and meet high standards of customer service.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction with the workforce.
• Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.
• Advanced computer skills, including email, word processing and virtual meeting facilitation.
• Professionally represent the agency and public, private and parochial school districts in interactions with staff, customers and community.
• Facilitate an overall work environment of mutual respect and collaboration.