Schoolwide Student Services Director

The Student Services Director (SSD) is tasked with spearheading and managing the counseling and learning support programs throughout the school. This position requires the development of a cohesive, schoolwide philosophy that guides the Student Services Team's operations, ensuring alignment with the school’s Mission and Vision. The SSD is instrumental in refining and implementing policies and systems that promote uniformity in practices across different divisions. Collaboration with divisional leaders is key to effectively instilling the school’s philosophy, procedures, and student services approach. The SSD partners closely with the Associate Head of School and the School Psychologist to guarantee that HKIS’s Child Protection policies and safeguarding strategies are both thorough and pertinent. Furthermore, the SSD is responsible for delivering an extensive professional learning framework that keeps the Student Services team, faculty, and administrators informed about best pedagogical practices aimed at enhancing student well-being and success.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Shared Beliefs and Philosophy

• Ensure that the beliefs and philosophies of HKIS’s Student Services are aligned with the school’s Mission and Vision to adequately support all students.
• Confirm that Student Services beliefs and philosophies adhere to all Board Policies.
• Work with the Director of Admissions to verify that HKIS can cater to the diverse needs of every student.
• Regularly evaluate and review all philosophies, systems, and procedures associated with HKIS’s Student Services delivery model.
• Stay updated on various methodologies and frameworks that support best practices in sizable school settings (e.g., UDL, MTSS/RTI).
• Advocate for an inclusive educational service delivery framework.

Consultation

• Serve as a consultant/resource for faculty and administrators on appropriate instructional interventions, student progress monitoring, and managing discipline and behavioral concerns; this includes observing students in their classroom environments.
• Be an active member of the Response Team during crisis intervention and child protection situations.
• Collaborate with the Admissions team and Divisional Administration regarding complex admissions matters.
• Support teachers in enhancing their capacity to differentiate instruction and implement behavior management strategies for students with varied abilities within shared classroom environments.

Policies, Systems, and Documentation

• Ensure a unified and consistent approach to schoolwide systems related to Student Services (counseling/learning support).
• Develop school-wide frameworks and procedures for the referral, identification, and support of students with additional learning needs.
• Partner with school-wide leadership to maintain uniformity of practice across divisions in both Learning Support and Counseling.
• Document schoolwide practices and procedures in the R1-12 Student Services Handbook.
• Facilitate smooth transitions between divisions, particularly 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 linked to Child Protection and Safeguarding.
• Examine Child Protection procedures and documentation to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure compliance with local laws and international standards for child safeguarding.
• Review Risk Assessment documentation and procedures to establish a consistent, best practice approach.
• Lead revisions to the HKIS Child Protection Guide and Code of Conduct to align with the latest best practices and research, ensuring accessibility for all staff.
• Collaborate closely with the School Psychologist to enact Child Protection and Safeguarding policies.

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