Assistant Director of Student Access and Support

NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee “day to day” operations of the Student Hearing Office;
• Review disciplinary action recommendations to ensure student’s due process rights and procedural safeguards are followed and in compliance with district policy;
• Compose noncompliance correspondence to schools as a result of disciplinary action packets not meeting requisite criteria;
• Conduct student disciplinary conferences for K-12 students as assigned by the Student Hearing Office;
• Draft all centralized discipline policy in the Manual for Disciplinary Procedures based on new state legislation;
• Ensure that all polices drafted and implemented by the Student Hearing Office, in regard to the discipline of students with disabilities, is compliant with state bulletins and IDEA mandated procedures;
• Coordinate student enrollment with schools and community partners for students returning from alternative schools after completion of expulsion terms, and students returning from secure care;
• Create all necessary Student Hearing Office forms, recommendation packets, dispositions, and outreach materials;
• Conduct various data analyses and create summary presentations on data related to Student Hearing office functions, and those functions carried out by team members supporting the truancy center and behavioral health services to students;
• Oversee the creation of an annual report, newsletter, and other materials as related to the centralized discipline system and expulsion data;
• Assist and potentially lead the coordination and presentation of training opportunities and data outreach for school leaders, charter staff, and advocacy partners regarding discipline and enrollment policy in order to be compliant centralized policies;
• Follow all district guidelines pertaining to enrollment and transfer procedures (both inside and outside the school district);
• Advise families, schools and advocacy partners regarding relevant discipline and enrollment policies;
• Oversee billing and compliance for alternative/expulsion school sites;
• Input student data into district system to secure a placement for all applicable students and forward all necessary documents to the receiving school; and
• Compile and analyze summary data of all expulsion recommendations and disciplinary conferences and their outcomes for internal and external publications.

Educational Background

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience working in education, law, public policy, or related field preferred;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal/conflict resolution skills; Experience facilitating large and small groups;
• Trauma-informed mediation strategies / skills and critical thinking and problem-solving skills; Comfort navigating and diffusing emotionally overwhelming situations.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge in the use of restorative approaches and peer mediation;
• Demonstrated understanding of charter schools, the unique educational landscape in New Orleans and applicable enrollment and discipline policy;
• General knowledge of Special Education policies and related state and federal laws in regard to discipline and enrollment, as required;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Exceptional time management and scheduling skills;
• Ability to work independently with strong sense of focus; task-orientated;
• Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse families and communities; Ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate;
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook required.