Director, Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health

Position Summary

The Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health provides innovative districtwide leadership in the development and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) designed to meet all students' (pre-kindergarten thru grade 12) academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. This position coordinates the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL), supervises the district’s counseling program, social work program, and responds to schools as they implement programs and supports for students with Tier 3 needs. They oversee mental health partnerships and build bridges with community-based organizations to provide greater access to mental health support for students. The Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health works to improve the MTSS framework for the success of all students. As a district leader, this position is responsible for the development and implementation of intentional strategies crafted to both improve equitable student outcomes and support the district's strategic plan and vision.

Supervised By

Assistant Superintendent and/or assigned designee(s)

Essential Functions

1. Models and reinforces a laser-like focus on equity-based strategies and practices.
2. Facilitates a partnership between the SEL team and Student Services to provide the right support for students at the right time to keep students safe and engaged in learning.
3. Coordinates the school counseling program, school social work program, and the implementation of social-emotional learning curriculum, mental health partnerships, and wraparound services.
4. Develops partnerships with mental health agencies to improve access for students.
5. Partners with the community to improve social-emotional skills and behavioral health for students.
6. Collects and analyzes data using Panorama Education to make decisions and adjustments to SEL curriculum and initiatives.
7. Stays current on research and best practices in SEL.
8. Assists with designing staff professional development and training to support effective implementation of SEL in schools.
9. Leads district response efforts in collaboration with Student Services to respond with the right instruction at the right time for students needing Tier 3 behavior support that schools struggle to meet with their MTSS system.
10. Leads, supports, and promotes equitable student outcomes through the use of tiered curricula and the improvement of teaching and learning.
11. Plans, implements, and monitors assigned projects specific to content areas, curricula, and improvement targets.
12. Directs the implementation and monitoring of MTSS and associated teaming structures in collaboration with school and district leadership.
13. Assists in planning and developing goals, objectives, materials, methods, and activities for MTSS and the Curriculum department(s).
14. Plans, coordinates, and conducts professional development training for teachers, classified staff, and administrators, related to the District Strategic Plan, MTSS, and improvement goals.
15. Collaborates with department personnel to improve systems of support.
16. Coordinates the development, delivery, and adherence of District systems and instruction as it relates to Oregon Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
17. Assists in planning and conducting assessment of teaming and tiered systems, reporting results, and recommending revisions.
18. Prepares short- and long-range plans for the development and implementation of MTSS across the organization, paying careful attention to input and engagement of stakeholders in the development of plans.
19. Directs work and evaluates the performance of all assigned staff.

Additional Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Relationships

1. Assistant Superintendent: Reports to this position.
2. Curriculum Directors and Director of Student Services: Works in close partnership with these positions.
3. District Staff: Works closely with level directors and school-based administrators to coordinate services and programs and to support teaching and learning.
4. Coordinator of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction: Collaborate, co-plan, and co- lead district strategies related to the Strategic Plan, Kindergarten through 12th Grade (K-12) instructional foci, and literacy development.
5. Coordinator(s) of Multilingualism: Collaborate, co-plan, and co-lead district strategies related to the Strategic Plan, K-12 instructional foci, and language acquisition.
6. Coordinator of Professional Development: Coordinate district professional development planning for classified, licensed, and administrator staff.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A valid and current Oregon Administrator’s License
2. Minimum of two years of successful classroom teaching and one year of leadership experience in assigned subject(s) and/or level(s)
3. Demonstrated knowledge of and ability in assigned subject(s) and level(s)
4. Knowledge of child growth and development at each assigned level of instruction
5. Oral and written English language proficiency
6. Experience working with transitional biliteracy or dual language programs preferred
7. Proficiency in written and oral Spanish preferred

Work Environment

Climate controlled office setting and exposure to moderate noise intensity levels. High level of contact with district personnel and the community, including frequent visits to schools and evening meetings.

Physical Requirements

Frequent reaching, handling, talking and hearing. Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Stamina to remain seated and maintain concentration for an extended period and/or to frequently move from sitting position to standing, walking, stooping and kneeling. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Vision: Frequent near acuity; occasional far acuity. Vision to read printed materials, computer screens and/or other monitoring devices.

Strength: Sedentary/Light – Exert force to 15 pounds occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects.

Term of Employment

12 months

Salary Level

Placement on the Salem-Keizer Public Schools supervisory salary schedule, Grade 211A.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated according to the District’s process for the evaluation of supervisory personnel.