Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Director

Position: Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Director

Reports to: Executive Director

READS Collaborative encourages applications from a full range of diverse and talented backgrounds.

READS Collaborative reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive workplace that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, homelessness, status as a veteran, limited English-speaking ability or any other protected class under the law in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its program or activities.

Summary : The DHH Program Director oversees all aspects of the READS DHH School (grades PreK-3, Transitions Classroom 18-22 yrs) located at 399 Old Colony Rd. Norton, MA along with the DHH Program for students in grades 4-12. The DHH Program for students in grades 4-12 is embedded within multiple host schools at Norton Public Schools located in Norton, MA. One high school classroom is hosted by Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School in Taunton. The role and responsibilities of Program Director is supported by an Assistant Program Director.

Credentials and Experience Requirements :

Master's Degree or higher in Education related field

Massachusetts DESE Educator Licensure

Proven leadership skills within an educational setting

Experience with IEP process; MA Special Education Laws and Regulations; and IDEA

Demonstrated experience with program and budget development

Excellent communication and organizational skills

Excellent personnel management and problem-solving skills

Knowledge of MA Curriculum Frameworks

Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Fluency or conversational knowledge in American Sign Language

Working knowledge for educating students with low-incidence, high special needs such as those who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing or students with multiple disabilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities : The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position.

Programmatic Duties

Provide oversight for the daily operations and on-going coordination of educational services for the READS DHH School (PreK-3) and the READS DHH Program

Coordinate referral, intake and termination procedures for all students

Work with member and non-member districts' personnel regarding all matters pertaining to the case management of students in the READS DHH School and DHH Program

Coordinate IEP development, annual review, and re-evaluation process for all students

Maintain communication with parents of students as needed

Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for additions and changes as needed

Manage overall daily operations, including communication with building based administrative Team members, transportation schedule, program scheduling issues, parent communication, therapy services, materials and supplies, etc.

Work with staff to ensure the curriculum is aligned with Mass. Curriculum Frameworks

Work with staff to develop appropriate Alternative Assessment strategies and ensure differentiation of instruction as needed

Liaison to Early Intervention for DHH needs

Develop and implement parent programs as needed

Attend administrative team meetings

Personnel Duties

Assist in recruitment, interviewing, selection, and onboarding, of DHH staff members

Assist with supervision, evaluation, and overall management of all teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and therapists

Assist with the development of appropriate in-service training for staff

Fiscal Duties

Assist in budget preparation, including personnel, equipment, and supplies

Assist with ordering and management of inventory of necessary equipment, instructional materials, and supplies

Assist with coordination of enrollment and tuition billing information with the Business Office

Assist in grant writing as needed

Administrative Duties

Collaborate and maintain a positive working relationship with the host schools leadership teams to coordinate student schedules, classroom locations, special events and address any other concerns.

Work with the Executive Director to evaluate programs and identify future program and service needs for students

Assist in the development of new programs and services, including budget preparation, grant writing, staff development, etc.

Assist the Executive Director in meeting the needs of member districts

Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, families and district personnel throughout the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program; intervene in crisis situations when necessary for students up to age 22; independently review materials and communicate with staff, students and families, and regularly circulate throughout the schools.

Must be able to quickly respond to calls in areas in and around the host school district(s) in a timely manner; must have the resources and capacity to travel to locations as needed and perform all duties as assigned. This includes the physical capacity to prompt or assist in modeling interventions as needed.

The employee must be physically capable of performing all essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical demands may include standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, and assisting with the physical management of students. The position also requires the ability to safely implement approved physical intervention and restraint techniques, when necessary, with students up to age 22, in accordance with READS Collaborative policies, training, and applicable state regulations.

Terms of Employment

Work Year: 210 Days

Salary negotiable based on experience (range $120,000 - $130,000)

Appointment by the Board of Directors as recommended by the Executive Director

Benefits apply to this position