Chief Student Support Services
Job Description
At the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS), we aspire to be one of America’s premier school districts, student-focused, well-managed, and innovative. Working at PPS represents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation.
The Office of Student Support Services is the hub that connects the supports needed to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students. The goal is to align and streamline the services, build systems and structures to support that work and collaborate to develop optimal teaching and learning environments. The overarching Pathways to the Promise work is housed in this office. In order to grow a Promise Readiness Culture in all schools, we must provide prevention and intervention mechanisms that support students and families.
Position Summary:
Under the Deputy Superintendent’s direction, the Chief will lead and supervise all activities performed in the Office of Student Support Services and operate as a liaison for schools, central office, and community partners. Oversees day to day operational and management aspects of the department and is responsible for the coordination of services, operations and compliance across the following areas: Student Enrollment and Assignment, Title I, Alternative Education, Discipline Office, Student Assistance Program, Research, Assessment and Accountability, Homeless Services, Truancy, Teen Parenting, Athletics, After-School Programs, Summer Programs, Career and College Readiness, Health Services, Teaching and Learning Environment, and Counselors and Social Workers. The Chief will also provide direct supervision and evaluation of the District’s Center schools.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Maintain an alignment and focus of all projects with the goals of the Superintendent and the District’s Strategic Plan
2. Creates and implements a strategic plan for the Office of Student Support Services.
3. Manages the budget development, applies resources strategically
4. Consult with project managers to identify and analyze problems, formulate solutions and work toward resolutions
5. Use data to make informed decisions and to focus the work of the department leads
6. Ensure compliance of all federal and state funded programming
7. Works collaboratively with Special Education to ensure IDEA regulations are followed for suspensions, expulsions, and alternative placement
8. Executes the Teaching and Learning Environment component of Pittsburgh Public Schools Empowering Effective Teachers program at a high level.
9. Serves as an active participant of Superintendent’s Cabinet and brings important data forward to inform the work.
10. Work collaboratively with the juvenile justice system to ensure adjudicated youth have appropriate supports
11. Serve as a resource to schools regarding Code of Student Conduct violations
12. Oversee alternative education programming and placement of students
13. Oversee the Discipline Office and Hearing process
14. Ensure all student enrollment options, procedures and transfer requests are processed appropriately.
15. Other duties as deemed necessary from supervisor
Job Requirements
Qualifications:
Candidate must be enthusiastic about the fundamental goal of advancing student achievement in an urban public school district. We are a hard working team focused on results and expect the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of the organization. In addition, we are seeking candidates with the following educational and experience requirements and knowledge, skills, and abilities:
· Certification and experience requirements: Pennsylvania Letter of Eligibility is required. A minimum of 5 years management experience preferred.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities: People Leader who can lead, grow and develop staff; Ability to work cross-functionally across a number of departments and engage multiple stakeholders specifically schools, parents and community members in working toward a common goal. Must possess effective communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills; Budget and resource management skills; Able to develop a vision for Student Support Services that supports the broader District vision for Reform; Familiar with the challenges, objectives and goals of public education; Knowledge of educational research; Knowledge of District policies and practices, ethical issues and guidelines; Big picture thinking with a willingness to understand the details where necessary; Must possess strong analytical and decision-making skills; Capable manager with a track record of completing projects and tasks on time and on budget; Must possess strong problem solving and mediation skills; Must be knowledgeable about the District’s Code of Student Conduct; Must be able to remain in compliance with Title IX, Title I, and Alternative Education.
