Head of Schools (Academy Grand/South) - UCAN : Job Details

DescriptionPosition Title: Head of Schools Department: Educational Services Reports To: Senior Vice President Direct Reports: Principals, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instructions, Clinical Managers, Behavior Intervention Supervisor, Administrative Supervisor, Case Manager, Data Coordinator Position Objective and Summary: As part of UCAN's Senior Leadership, the Head of Schools is responsible for overall leadership, administration, and management of UCAN's Therapeutic Day School/Academies. This position involves strategic planning, academic excellence, fiscal management, and community engagement to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. Building on UCAN's Clinical Philosophy, the Head of School leads the education and facilitation of healing through trauma informed services and Positive Youth Development. The Head of Schools will lead and inspire faculty, staff and students while fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Essential Functions and Responsibilities:Leadership and Vision

• Develop and communicate a clear vision for the Academies future, aligned with UCAN's mission and values.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the curriculum and instructional practices that promote student achievement.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and ensure compliance with educational standards and regulations.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development among faculty and staff.

Strategic Planning and Program Development

• Identifies areas of improvement, develops and implements new programs and services to meet service needs.
• Identifies, understands, and plans for changing trends in service populations, service needs and funding sources.
• Participates in creating and implementing UCAN's Strategic Plan.
• Involves staff and managers in the implementation of strategic plan objectives that impact and is applicable to the program.
• Considers any cultural factors that may impact how program services are developed, delivered, funded and evaluated and is proficient in addressing those factors.

Financial Management

• Manages program financial performance and budget, including revenue and expenses, in order to meet financial goals of the program(s) and the agency.
• Works to increase or diversify referral and funding sources whenever possible.
• Sets and manages the annual budget for the program(s) in conjunction with the Finance Department.

Managing Accountability and Compliance

• Ensures that the program(s) meets all applicable regulatory standards, including but not limited to: COA standards, IDCFS licensing regulations, ISBE and CPS regulations, and Medicaid procedures, and creates systems to maintain and monitor such.
• Strategizes with Quality Improvement and other management staff, on program evaluation and methods for CQI measures regarding file quality, student outcomes, staff development, supervision, educational services and other issues related to program quality.
• Leads program and staff in accountability, quality and compliance through example and modeling behavior.
• Manages the intake processes and monitors program levels of service in order to maintain quality of education, appropriate student/staff ratio, classroom size and levels of supervision.
• Interprets regulatory standards/rules/laws, makes revision of program policies and procedures for program compliance and communicates information to staff for implementation.
• Ensures compliance with UCAN Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives and corrective plans.

Developing and Supervising Employees

• Manages Human Resources procedures, including: recruits, interviews and hires staff to meet the needs of program staffing; ensures appropriate job scheduling, assignment and training; recommends and approves salaries, promotions, demotions and terminations; coaches, counsels and disciplines staff for maximum performance.
• Identifies and coaches staff for job enrichment or potential advancement.
• Provides direction, support and guidance to direct reports, as well as to the school staff as a whole.
• Delegates appropriate tasks and responsibilities to staff based on individual skill level and workloads.
• Recognizes and rewards individual and departmental performance.
• Sets and evaluates clear and collaborative individual performance goals for direct reports.
• Provides guidance and feedback to supervisory staff in their supervision of direct reports.
• Leads school staff through critical processes and decisions, such as cultural proficiency in educational services and in crisis management.

External Networking/Advocacy/Marketing

• Maintains relationships and communication with appropriate external constituencies.
• Represents UCAN in public and private forums and committees that pertain to children and education in Illinois.
• Behaves with integrity and supports high ethical standards when representing UCAN.
• Markets program services to current and potential referral sources in order to maintain and increase program levels.
• Outreaches to a wide range of communities to develop and maintain relationships with a diverse group of communities and professional groups.
• Makes connections with public officials and engages in agency Advocacy efforts.

Network Advantage

• Contributes to the overall success and leadership of UCAN by maintaining strong working relationships with other senior leaders.
• Supports and reinforces the Network Advantage with program staff in order to provide smooth transitions for clients and the sharing of resources for staff.
• Actively participates and contributes to the Strategic Leadership Team and the Continuum of Care SLT.
• Creates and supports opportunities for staff to utilize and experience other parts of the Network.
• Builds strong interpersonal relationships with teams and among team members
• Communicates UCAN and program plans/goals while asking for employee input and ideas.

Diversity and Cultural Proficiency

• Is open to being an active learner, participating in discussions with others, trying new approaches and ideas, and being self-aware and self-reflective for continual personal, professional and leadership growth.
• Strategically plans for program by thoroughly examining and incorporating diversity.
• Actively meets student needs by developing, supporting and leading educational services which address diversity and cultural issues that impact clients.
• Actively promotes staff development by initiating and encouraging communication with employees about issues of diversity and discrimination.
• Completes assigned tasks in UCAN Diversity Goals.

Professionalism and Work Conduct

• Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of UCAN.
• Acts in a professional manner at all times and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
• Reports to work, meetings, training, and job related activities prepared and as scheduled
• Understands and supports UCAN's standard of cultural proficiency and strives to meet it
• Responds to students and their families, UCAN staff, CPS, service providers and other stakeholders in a timely manner and ensures follow up to adequately address their need.
• Discusses alternative problem solving and is open to new ideas and staff input.
• Performs other related tasks as required or assigned.

Education/Job Experience/Certification:

• Master's Degree in Special Education required.
• Type 75 Certification required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in education.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of supervisory experience required.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Proven ability to motivate and lead staff to achieve outcomes.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice and Positive Youth Development.
• Ability to integrate UCAN's Clinical Philosophy into practice and programming.
• Expert knowledge in special education best practices.
• Effectively relates to and intervenes with children with behavioral and emotional difficulties.
• Demonstrated openness to and respect of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and directed with the ability to work autonomously, as well as part of a collaborative management team.
• Experience and ability to effectively use technology for data analysis, communication and report writing.
• Car and valid Illinois driver's license and insurance required.

Work Environment: This position requires use of car for local travel to multiple UCAN sites and other community organizations. Work Conditions: This position may require work on weekends and evenings.