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Special Education Site Director, CFAA (White Plains)

Job description

Family Services of Westchester, Inc. (FSW) provides mental health and social services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives. Serving 30,000 people a year, including 20,000 children, with nearly 50 innovative programs, including counseling, education and support, FSW is a pillar of health in the Westchester community.

JOB STATUS: Full-time

SUPERVISED BY: Program Director of Special Education

PURPOSE:

The Special Education Site Director for the Center for All Ages (CFAA) Prime Time location site in White Plains) is responsible for the general and day-to-day operations of the Prime-Time Therapeutic Preschool center covering multiple classrooms and assuring regulatory and legal compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and communicating with parents and the community and supervising and monitoring all staff working at the assigned site(s). Reporting to the Special Education Program Director, the Site Director ensures that all FSW 4410 Prime-Time children and families with special needs receive optimal developmentally appropriate educational experiences, managing staff, curricula, and program operations. This individual will serve as the primary contact person and is directly involved in program development and oversight of enrollment of students, staff onboarding, personnel management, and construction of policies and procedures. To maximize student outcomes, this individual works with the Program Director and Related Services Supervisors to ensure the fulfillment of student mandates as indicated on Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and to provide accommodation, to the greatest extent possible, within the site environment. The position may be reassigned to various centers deemed necessary for program operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide direct supervision to Teaching Staff, communicate and assure adherence to departmental and programmatic strategy; and monitor the quality of services through observation, monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and review of files and documentation.
  • Provide overall classroom supervision and ensure proper oversight and supervision of teachers and classrooms ratio.
  • Responsible for monthly classroom and site safety checks, fire drills, and safety meetings.
  • Investigates child or staff incidents, assuring all forms are complete and notifying the appropriate authorities and supervisor.
  • Develops and monitors center and staff schedules.
  • Arranges and schedules substitutes for the center classrooms.
  • Assists in establishing and fostering a team approach, coordination of services, and sharing resources among centers within the overall program;
  • Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by immediate supervisor.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality for Prime-Time children, families, and staff per established policies and procedures.
  • Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

COMMUNICATION:

  • Identify and communicate to Program Director PrimeTime needs regarding facilities, physical space, amenities, and other logistical program components. Collaborating with the Interdisciplinary team, ensure classrooms and playgrounds are well-equipped, secure, clean, and otherwise meet program requirements and FSW’s standards.
  • Fosters good communication between Prime-Time Therapeutic Preschool management, staff, families, school district(s) personnel, local and state municipalities, and community organizations.
  • While respecting family confidentiality, regularly shares information with teachers to ensure coordinated services that meet the needs of individual children and families.

PLANNING:

  • Implements and supports “best practices” in Special Education programming in conjunction with the Prime-Time staff when applicable.
  • Plans and directs the work of the staff supervised. Observes and gives feedback to staff or volunteers supervised where applicable and other staff as assigned on at least a monthly basis.
  • Determines appropriate training needs to meet the program goals and objectives and makes the necessary recommendations.
  • Develops and supports the professional development plan for staff supervised.
  • In collaboration with the Program Director, IEP Coordinator, and Related services supervisors, plan and implements pre-service and ongoing in-service for all center staff, maintain agendas, sign-in sheets, training logs, etc.
  • Submits verbal and written reports to immediate supervisor on the activities and status of the center on a monthly basis;
  • Assists in identifying, purchasing, and annual inventory of center supplies and equipment.
  • Assists in the fiscal management of the center by monitoring financial records, expenditures, and accounts payable and receivable in a timely manner.
  • Develops and facilitates a positive community presence in the community, focusing on networking opportunities, enhancement of volunteer participation, and educational awareness efforts regarding program needs.
  • Attends IFSP/IEP meetings as needed or requested.

COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT:

  • Responsible for monitoring and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and standards and with state and federal contracts, health, safety, and childcare licensing regulations and renewal.
  • Ensure compliance with NYSED, WCDOH/DOT, PCDOH/DOT, OCFS, and Hudson Valley School Districts Performance Standards, including the maintenance documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with Quality Star Accreditation Criteria and program evaluation requirements.
  • Monitors staff attendance, collects, verifies, and signs all staff time sheets and leave requests, verifying accuracy.
  • Monitors employees’ and children’s on-site file requirements and keeps them secure in a locked file cabinet.
  • Conducts monthly staff meetings.
  • Assist staff members responsible for early childhood education and career development to work with individual teachers to develop training plans for obtaining an AA degree or higher in Early Childhood Education.
  • Maintains filing, tracking, and documentation systems.
  • Become familiar with and follows the FSW Employee Handbook Human Resources Policies and Procedures and ensure that all center staff is aware of these policies and procedures and any changes that may occur.
  • Sets the job standards, sets goals, monitors, and provides on-going feedback for performance improvement, and submits performance reviews in a timely manner.
  • Ensure timely delivery of services to children through coordination and follow-up with parents and providers.
  • Meets annual mandatory training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or relevant undergraduate program of study
  • Permanent Certification in Special Education (at least Birth-2nd Grade) and General Education (Early Childhood/Elementary)
  • At least five+ years of Teaching experience in a self-contained classroom.
  • At least two years’ experience in a supervisory or educational administration role

SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of NYSED 4410 special education services and programs educational requirements and achievement metrics and performance measures, as well as facility interpreting data and using data for quality improvement purposes.
  • Understanding of program management, including program planning, operations and evaluation, and management information systems.
  • Demonstrated skills as regards administrative and performance aspects of programs and ability to respond to environmental changes and pressures.
  • Strong leadership skills are a must; the position requires the ability to achieve programmatic goals in an environment of shared authority and decision-making, in accordance with NYSED 4410 special education services and the program’s philosophy.
  • Ability to articulate a compelling vision of the Prime-Time Therapeutic Preschool programs and be an enthusiastic advocate for clients in the communities.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Staff management experience
  • Program oversight experience
  • Experience working with CPSE/CSE Portal

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Manual dexterity and regular hours at the computer keyboard
  • Physical strength and dexterity skills in negotiating stairs and uneven surfaces
  • Ability to physically remove students from harm during tantrums
  • Ability to intercept students running toward danger
  • Ability to bend and lift/manage up to 20 lbs.
  • Ability to drive between sites
  • Ability to respond to emergencies; provide CPR and First Aid

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • COVID-19 VACCINATIONS REQUIRED. At FSW, we require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to work at any of our locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Frequent contact with employees and representatives of outside agencies, Prime-Time families, and children
  • Adherence to NYSED, WCDOH/DOT, PCDOH/DOT, OCFS, and Hudson Valley School Districts Standards regarding Program Operations, Facilities, and Federal Administrative requirements.

DIRECT REPORTS:

  • Teachers
  • Teaching Assistance

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $60,000.00 – $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

  • White Plains, NY 10591: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

  • At FSW, we require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to work at any of our locations. Are you able to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination?”

Work Location: One location

At FSW, we enjoy working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and value the benefits of a diversified workplace that prioritizes our clients and the communities we serve. If you want to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people across the communities of Westchester, and if the Care Manager position speaks to your capabilities, experience and commitment to social service, please apply through Indeed.com. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and/or email.

Family Services of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please send resume to Joquene Hall Ramirez: joquene.HRamirez@fsw.org