Director of Educational Support (Director of the Gesher Program)

Seattle Hebrew Academy is seeking a Director of Educational Support (Director of the Gesher Program). This is a new program and position for our school.

Description of the Need

Seattle Hebrew Academy (SHA) is a Full-Time Jewish Day School and our school has been serving the PreK - 8th grade educational needs of the families of the Seattle Jewish Community for 75 years. Our enrollment is 170 students (120 students in K-8) and is growing. Our school seeks to educate every Jewish student who wants an SHA education. Despite the robust special educational services that our school offers, a number of students who would like to attend SHA and who have special educational needs are either unable to attend the school or attend SHA but are not provided the right types of support to thrive. 

We seek a Director who will launch this program to better serve these students and families. Serving these students and families will look different in different cases and will include case management, advisory services for teachers, parents and students, bridge building with other local specialized schools, creative scheduling and many other ways. 

Summary of Position

Under the direction of the Head of School and in collaboration with the Principal, the Director of Educational Support is responsible for the leadership, coordination and advancement of the School’s Gesher Program which serves students with special educational needs. The Director must be conversant in General Education and must understand the school’s unique mission. Judaic Studies expertise is a plus. The Director of the Educational Support plans, implements, and supervises special education programs and all related student support services in a multi-tiered system of support framework.

Because this is a new program and position, we seek a candidate with the vision to see something that does not currently exist, the tenacity to advance that vision and the cooperative spirit to work as a team member within an organization that is currently operating effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and implements program goals and objectives for each student who is receiving services from the learning and behavioral support center.
• Applies current research based best practices to ensure that all individuals with exceptional needs are appropriately identified, assessed, and provided appropriate education programs and services designed to meet their unique needs.
• Works directly with students in one-on-one, small group settings and within the classroom setting.
• Works with teachers to deliver curriculum based on IEPs, 504b plans and other learning needs and plans.
• Provides ongoing support, professional development and in-service training to teachers and staff.
• Schedules student services personnel, in collaboration with the Principal.
• Participates in the selection of Educational Support personnel.
• Help bridge communication between students, teachers, and parents to ensure effective outcomes of learning plans and strategies.
• Performs regular reviews of the program, methodology, curriculum and/or procedures as necessary.
• Provide meaningful consultation to parents regarding student progress and student concerns. 
• Leads or participates in IEP meetings, discussions, and parent meetings.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures related to student services
• Disseminates information regarding special education to staff, students, parents, and the community.
• Develops and maintains liaison with Public Schools as well as other evaluators and providers
• Analyzes and secures contracted services and provides oversight.
• Works with State and Federal Agencies to receive funding and services as well as implementation of Title I services. 
• Serves as the custodian of special education records.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education plus additional coursework required for licensure and endorsement as Special Education Director.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of special education, with leadership experience in serving special education programming and students, including a minimum of 3 years of special education teaching experience
• Minimum of 3 years of administrative experience preferred
• Knowledge of State and Federal legislation as it relates to Special Education
• Knowledge of budget and funding requirements for Special Education
• Skill in the establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google (docs, sheets, forms, drives), and data management environments
• Skill in working with diverse individuals and handling situations with tact, diplomacy and discretion
• Knowledge of various special education learning modalities/educational philosophies
• Demonstrate the highest standards of honesty, integrity, flexibility, and responsiveness
• Ability to be proactive and innovative
• Ability to build strong teams to meet performance goals
• Experience compiling and presenting reports to stakeholders
• Professional oral and written communication skills in English, including academic report writing

Salary Range

$80,000 - $95,000

SHA would consider hiring an Educational Support Coordinator who will grow into a Director position. The job description and salary of this Coordinator would be negotiated based on the qualifications of the candidate.

For more information or to apply, please contact Head of School, Rabbi Benjy Owen at [email protected] or 206-323-5750.