Schoolwide Student Services Director

The Student Services Director (SSD) is responsible for leading and managing the counseling and learning support initiatives throughout the school. This role involves establishing a unified, schoolwide philosophy that directs the operations of the Student Services Team, in alignment with the institution's Mission and Vision. The SSD plays a crucial role in enhancing and executing schoolwide policies and systems that foster consistency in practices across various divisions. Collaboration with divisional leadership is essential to ensure that the school’s philosophy, procedures, and approach to student services are effectively implemented. The SSD works closely with the Associate Head of School and the School Psychologist to ensure that HKIS’s Child Protection policies and safeguarding measures are both relevant and comprehensive. Additionally, the SSD is tasked with providing a thorough professional learning framework to keep the Student Services team, faculty, and administrators updated on best pedagogical practices that contribute to the well-being and success of all students.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Shared Beliefs and Philosophy

● Align HKIS’s Student Services beliefs and philosophies with the school’s Mission and Vision to effectively support all students.

● Ensure that Student Services beliefs and philosophies are in accordance with all Board Policies.

● Collaborate with the Director of Admissions to confirm that HKIS can meet the diverse needs of all students.

● Regularly review and assess all philosophies, systems, and procedures related to HKIS’s Student Services delivery model.

● Stay informed about various approaches and frameworks that endorse best practices in large school environments (e.g., UDL, MTSS/RTI).

● Promote an inclusive educational service delivery model.

Consultation

● Act as a consultant/resource for faculty and administrators concerning the implementation of suitable instructional interventions, monitoring student progress, and addressing discipline and behavioral issues; this includes observing students in their classroom settings.

● Participate as a member of the Response Team in crisis intervention and child protection scenarios.

● Consult with the Admissions team and Divisional Administration regarding complex admissions decisions.

● Assist teachers in enhancing their skills to differentiate instruction and apply behavior management strategies for students of diverse abilities within shared classroom environments.

Policies, Systems and Documentation

● Ensure that there is a cohesive and consistent approach to schoolwide systems related to Student Services (counseling/learning support).

● Establish school-wide frameworks and procedures for referring, identifying, and supporting students with additional learning needs.

● Work in partnership with school-wide leadership to ensure uniformity of practice across divisions in both Learning Support and Counseling.

● Document schoolwide practices and procedures in the R1-12 Student Services Handbook.

● Ensure smooth transitions between divisions; specifically Grades 2-3, 5-6, and 8-9 (including documentation, monitoring, and reporting on student progress).

Child Protection and Safeguarding (including Risk Assessment)

● Oversee all policies and procedures related to Child Protection and Safeguarding.

1. Review Child Protection procedures and documentation to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices.

2. Ensure compliance with local laws and international standards for child safeguarding.

3. Review Risk Assessment documentation and procedures to establish a consistent, best practice approach.

● Lead updates to the HKIS Child Protection Guide and Code of Conduct to ensure alignment with the latest best practices and research, making them accessible to all staff.

● Collaborate closely with the School Psychologist to implement Child Protection and Safeguarding policies and procedures.

Recruitment, Supervision and Evaluation

● Supervise and evaluate the School Psychologist.

● Collaborate with Principals and the Associate Head of School on the recruitment of the School Psychologist, Counselors, and Learning Specialists.

Professional Development and Adult Education:

● Partner with the HKIS Professional Learning Team to provide in-service training and workshops that ensure faculty and administrators are well-versed in best practices concerning Child Protection, special education, and learning support services; including ongoing Child Protection training, crisis response, support options both in and out of the classroom, and intervention strategies tailored to individual students' learning needs.

● Facilitate educational workshops for parents related to the Student Services delivery model.

● Promote wellness and resilience by enhancing communication and social skills, problem-solving abilities, self-regulation (including anger management), self-determination, and optimism.

Other

● Assess program needs to develop and monitor the Student Services budget and allocate resources responsibly.

● Reach out to provide support to parents to foster positive school/family relationships and enhance student learning.

● Periodically report Student Services data to administrators, including individual cases.

● Cultivate long-term relationships with relevant community agencies, such as mental health and academic service providers (e.g., FOCUS on Children, Dyslexia Association).

● Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to enhance the contributions of the department and the overall operations of the school.

Minimum requirements and qualifications:

Education:

● An advanced degree, preferably a PhD in School or Clinical Psychology or a related field.

● Current certification in School Psychology and/or Clinical Psychology is preferred.

Experience:

● At least 5 years of experience as a Student Services Director and/or School Psychologist (both clinical and school-based) is preferred.

● Experience leading in large, complex R1-12 International School environments or extensive US school districts is preferred.

● Proven experience in administering and interpreting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments.

● Demonstrated experience in assessing learning, behavioral, social, and emotional needs.

Required Skills:

● Proven knowledge and skills in child/adolescent development and behavior, behavior management techniques, behavioral interventions and instructional practices, intercultural communication, and interaction styles.

● Capability to administer, synthesize, and interpret comprehensive psycho-educational assessments for early childhood through adolescence.

● Commitment to ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding student information within the school community.

Child Protection Statement:

● At HKIS, the welfare of each child is of utmost importance. We take action to ensure that our students are protected from harm and exploitation and that their welfare is safeguarded.

We encourage you to explore our school further and discover career opportunities within the exceptional HKIS community at https://www.hkis.edu.hk/

We are excited to hear from you!

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