Position Overview:The Assistant Director of the Newcomers Assessment and Counseling Center (NACC) works collaboratively as a member of the NACC to ensure equitable access to school programs and services for students identified as Multilingual Learners. The Assistant Director provides support to enrollment processes including, language assessment, school assignment, and program placement based on review of student needs and in accordance with BPS policies and procedures and assists in the development of integrated services to address the needs of Multilingual Learner students and families including services for those experiencing homelessness, resource and referral to basic needs, and development of single-point of entry to district and community-based programs. The NACC Assistant Director will have responsibilities in all areas of the NACC and will take responsibility for overall data management under the supervision of the Director of NACC.
Responsibilities
- Under the direction of NACC Director collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that school assignments comply with guidance from the DOJ, META, and DESE;
- Work cooperatively with the Director of NACC and ODA personnel to ensure the implementation and maintenance of the new Multilingual Learner Student Information System. Assist in the management of record keeping, data collection, data entry and data updates;
- Assist in the Supervision of language lesters and work cooperatively with OMME and designated personnel to accurately assess incoming students for their need of English language services;
- Provide timely and accurate information to parents and guardians of new Multilingual Learner students in BPS about the schools, educational program options, after-school, and summer programs:
- Ensure that all NACC staff provide families with the required information and counseling so that parents and guardians can make informed decisions about and consent to ML program placement recommendations;
- Ensure access to education and rights of vulnerable groups of Multilingual Learners including those experiencing homelessness, unaccompanied minors, and minors who are pregnant and parenting by providing information about district and community services and resources;
- Work cooperatively with OSE and designated personnel to ensure that new Multilingual Learner Special Education (MLWD) students receive appropriate services and program placement;
- Assist in the development of Multilingual Learner enrollment reports, trends analysis;
- Work cooperatively with OMME Equity and Accountability Team to accurately provide new ML student data for required DOJ and state reporting;
- Work cooperatively with the BPS Early Childhood Department and BPS K0/K1 Programs to ensure that current and enrolling preschool age Multilingual Learners and are properly identified and assessed according to the BPS policy and timelineswith the Pre-IPT or WIDA Screener for Kindergarten;
- Work collaboratively with the NACC Director to develop two-way communication systems and to develop single point of entry and resource and referral;
- Work collaboratively with OMME Family Services Team to develop systems to ensure efficient delivery of multilingual family outreach and support services provided district-wide;
- Conduct community outreach and provide parent information through networking and media;
- Work cooperatively with OIIT on the implementation, review and maintenance of NACC's portal and workflow in ASPEN SIS online;
- Work cooperatively with cross-functional teams to ensure understanding of District requirements, mandate, transportation, and the rights of Multilingual Learner students experiencing homelessness, Unaccompanied Minors, and/or in DCF/Foster care under the McKinney Vento;
- Work collaboratively with health, mental health and human service agencies to provide avenues for appropriate resource and referral that address the needs of the BPS Multilingual Learner students and families;
- Work collaboratively with the City of Boston and community agencies on issues pertaining to immigrant families registering their students to SPS.
- Work as a team member to create a warm, welcoming, friendly and multilingual environment for parents, guardians, students and the community who avail themselves of the NACC Services
- Work cooperatively with the NACC Director to provide professional development, guidance, and support to Enrollment Office staff;
- Work as a team member to create and maintain a positive workplace atmosphere;
- Assist in planning and conducting staff meetings that include program planning, improvement of service, and ongoing professional development opportunities;
- Collaborate with OMME and cross-functional teams in program evaluation and assist to maintain quality assurance of all enrollment and support services provided by Welcome Services.
- Assist in supervising all NACC staff.
- Oversee daily operations in the director's absence.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the NACC Director.
Qualifications - Required - Bachelor's Degree, from an Accredited College or University, in education, social services administration and management, or related field, Master Degree preferred.
- A current Massachusetts Teaching License in a related area (Early Childhood, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Elementary, and/or ESL) and current or pending SEI/Bilingual Education Teacher Endorsement.
- Possess a deep knowledge of various state and federal rules and regulations that pertain to the initial identification, assessment, and placement of ML students.
- Minimum of five years of experience in program development and management of educational and/or social services
- Demonstrated understanding and commitment to equity and removing barriers to educational success for diverse students and families
- Proven experience in successful community outreach in multi-ethnic, multicultural, urban environment
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to make decisions and communicate them clearly
- Experience leading a team successfully among diverse staff members
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to focus on the overall mission while also attending to details and follow-up activities.
- Proven organizational skills, and ability to set priorities, and complete tasks meeting deadlines
- High level of technological skills, including data base management, data analysis and data reporting
- Strong background knowledge of English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in early childhood grades and current qualifications and certificates to administer WIDA assessments (i.e., WIDA Screener for Kindergarten and WIDA Screener Online and Paper Based Test).
- Demonstrate capability to work independently and collaboratively with partners such as ML families and students, and central office and district staff.
- Bilingual and Bicultural highly preferred
Qualifications - Preferred: - Dual certification in ESL as well as special education licensure at the appropriate grade levels.
- Master's Degree in the field of EL Education or Linguistics or a Master's Degree in a related field.
- Experience working with early childhood education, with an understanding of how to engage children so they will interact appropriately as part of the assessment process.
- Experience working with ML students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Knowledge of language assessment practices and strategies to appropriately support and assess ML students with diagnosed or undiagnosed moderate or severe disabilities.
- Fluency in one or more major languages of the district: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cabo Verdean Creole, Portuguese/Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, and/or Toishanese), Arabic, Somali, or French.
Terms: Managerial, C51
