About The Role

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals.

The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 22% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Director of Mental Health Services is responsible for leading strategy across SCSD to ensure the mental health needs of all students are met , including the planning, development, organization, management implementation and supervision of mental health and wellness programs and initiatives of the district. The Director will collaboratively work with district administrators and staff and community agencies and partners to develop and implement wellness and mental health support systems and with community agencies and human services providers to support students and families.

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Integrated Student Support Services

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plan and coordinate family workshop sessions on social emotional learning and mental health for families in collaboration with Family and Community Engagement Department;
Gather and analyze data to identify gaps and evaluate mental health services across the network;
Execute systems to ensure all mental health needs are identified with clear next steps, and ensure airtight systems for follow-up and follow-through;
Build network of external partners and resources to ensure we are using evidence-based best practices to meet unique needs of students and families;
Create and maintain effective collaboration structures between mental health providers and key stakeholders (families, teachers, student life team);
Build strong systems for data collection and tracking to document needs, services, and progress towards students social-emotional goals;
Provide crisis intervention and risk assessment, as needed;
Supervise a team of mental health providers, including leading clinical supervision and regular professional development;
Develop a comprehensive, multi-year organizational mental health strategy with clear goals, and collaborate with key organizational leaders to execute;
Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education to ensure compliance with student counseling mandates and non-mandated counseling needs;
Responsible for the development, supervision and staff development of district wellness and intervention procedures and policies, supervision of school counselors and social workers, and coordinating with the district departments and community partners to support school teams;
Collaborate with the Professional Development department to coordinate relevant training;
Coordinate projects and grants relating to pupil service initiatives and related activities including mental health initiatives;
Plan, conduct and organize a variety of staff development opportunities related to child welfare, attendance and overall wellness;
Recruit, hire, and evaluate appropriate SCSD staff;
Coordinate and facilitate the development of the cooperative efforts between schools and other community agencies in providing services to students and makes referrals;
Attend meetings to maintain current knowledge of new legislation and requirements; conduct and facilitate meetings as needed;
Collaborate with community agencies and human services providers to support students and family needs;
Perform other related duties at the request of the Chief of Student Support Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

New York State Certificate in Education Administration (School District Administrator or School District Leader).
Minimum five (5) years of educational administration experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to plan and supervise the work of subordinates.
Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyze data and prepare detailed reports.
Knowledge of procedures rules and regulations.
Ability to work with various community agencies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Strong knowledge of all Federal and State laws and reporting requirements as they relate to pupil services.
Background and experience in the area of supervision and administration of pupil services.
Demonstrated evidence of the ability to successfully organize, direct and administer comprehensive pupil services programs and initiatives including attendance, character education, citizenship and civility as delineated in the performance responsibilities.
Training and or experience with Culturally Relevant Education (preferred)