Description

The primary focus of this position is to provide strategic administrative leadership and supervision to promote the maximum spiritual, academic, social, emotional, wellness, mental health, and college & career development of each student within our diverse school community.  

The Director develops and articulates the vision and philosophy of the Student Services programs for DSHA by planning and providing strategic leadership to ensure the vision is realized consistent with our mission. The Director leads strategic decision making within the school as it pertains to student services with focus on the academic, social, emotional, wellness, mental health, and college & career needs of our students. The Director builds collaborative relationships with the entire population of DSHA and focuses on policies and procedures which enhance the education of the whole person. In addition, the Director leads counseling services consistent with the American Association of School Counseling National Model, and the Director is responsible for the caseload within one of the Salvatorian Family House System houses (approximately 130 students).

This is a full-time 100% FTE position during the school year and part-time 50% FTE in the summer. 

Requirements

Responsibilities/Essential Duties:

Religious & Mission:

• Embraces the Catholic mission of the school and is willing to maintain a perspective that understands the teachings of the Catholic Church, models the importance of faith formation, and encourages spiritual growth in our students by participating in faith formation programs and opportunities. 
• Collaborates with the campus ministry team in support of spiritual formation of students.
• Oversees efforts to advance the Catholic, Salvatorian identity of the school and its connection to Student Services.
  Coordinates/collaborates with Applied Wellness Director to fully integrate the mission and functions of Applied Wellness into the Student Services Department.

Strategic Leadership:

• Manages personnel, to include work allocation, training, and problem resolution, and evaluating performance and making recommendations for personnel actions according to the employee and faculty handbooks.
• Provides strategic leadership in establishing and realizing a vision for student affairs and student life at DSHA as it pertains to the school’s mission and vision.
• Leads the development of school policies, procedures, and programs related to Student Services.
• Connect student services support to the institutional approach to Applied Wellness.
• Creates a data dashboard and updates systematically to inform decision-making that meets the needs of students.
• Serve on committees with the expressed intent to provide Student Services perspectives including. Committees may include but is not limited to the Student Support Team (chair), Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee, Academic & Student Life Committee, and Collaborative Teams.
• Leads a focus on developing a school climate where all girls feel a sense of belonging and fosters the development of a positive sense of self for all students.

Counseling, Advocacy, and Support

• Plans organize, delivers, and evaluates the DSHA counseling program which includes developing positive interpersonal relationships, designing curriculum, interpreting data and scheduling counselors as necessary.
• Leads DSHA’s integrated mental health supports and any co-location mental health supports.
•  Presents information to parents and community groups about adolescent development, Student Services Department programs and resources, and various academic and career topics
• Foster optimal academic, social-emotional, wellness, mental health, and spiritual growth among students.
•  Coordinates and contracts speakers for school assemblies that focus on issues related to social/emotional health, wellness, academic intervention, and college/career planning (e.g., alcohol and other drug use, college readiness, social media, relationships, etc.).

Program Coordination

• Develop, monitor, and review annual student services budget.
• Gather data to measure our overall student success with a focus on academics, co-curricular involvement and leadership; use insights from the data to inform any necessary changes to access or to programming.
• Coordinates school-wide initiatives, programs and events that relate to whole-person education and by assuring proper oversight by members of the department responsible for running each program. 

Collaboration/Liaison

•   Works closely with the Student Accommodation and Assessment support coordinator and Children’s Wisconsin therapist.
•  Collaborate closely with Dean of Student Affairs, Academic Dean, Director of Student Services, Athletic Director and Director of Campus Ministry to fully integrate students from diverse backgrounds into the complete DSHA experience.

Education and Training

• Serve as a key resource person for staff and parent education and training around areas of mental health, social, emotional, academic and spiritual growth of students.
• Participate in local and national continuing education opportunities.
• Maintains currency in the field of counseling through subscribing to journals and attending conferences and seminars.
• Communicate with parents through appropriate channels such as the Parent Enews.

School Counselor:

Academic

• Monitors students’ academic development through meetings with students and encouraging continued growth. Makes recommendations and develops plans of action by including all necessary parties.
• Understands, supports, and implements curriculum that targets student need consistent with our mission.
• Guides students through the annual course selection process.

Social/Emotional

• Supports students in the development of their social and emotional well-being and self-confidence by meeting with the students, communicating with their parents/guardians and teachers and consulting with other professionals as determined by the situation.

Mental Health

• Supports student mental health through education and by meeting with students, communicating with their parents/guardians and teachers and consulting where appropriate with mental health providers. Refers students and families to outside resources. 

College and Career

• Advises Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) High School students on the college search and application process; meets with parents/guardians as necessary.
• Advises seniors throughout the application and decision-making process.
• Guides juniors through the college search process, including individual meetings, letter of recommendation requests, and other work in preparation for senior year applications.
• Advises each junior and senior to develop and implement an individualized college and career plan.
• Educates students about career and college options by evaluating test data, verifying graduation requirements and writing letters of recommendation. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Oversees: School counselors, Director of College Counseling, Student Services Administrative Assistant, St. Angela Merici Academic Support Program Interventionist, Educational Database Coordinator/Registrar, College Center Assistant/Testing Program Coordinator, and any behavioral and mental health partnerships.

Qualifications: 

Education and/or Experience: 

Position requires a master’s degree in counseling or psychology and Wisconsin state certification as a School Guidance Counselor for grades 6 – 12 (# 966).  At least 5 years of previous experience in a counseling role in an educational environment is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Effective oral, written and presentation skills are essential for success in the position.  Incumbent must be highly organized, detail oriented and able to work on multiple projects within specific timeframes with varying deadlines.  The ability to take the initiative with projects and to work both independently and as part of a group is required.  An understanding of the American School Counselor Association guidelines and Code of Ethics is required.  Must be able to evaluate and respond appropriately to crisis situations.  Proficient computer skills with experience using MS Office software, database software, the Internet and email are required.  Incumbent must be able to maintain extremely confidential data, to include grade point averages, class rank, test data and budgetary information.  Employee development and performance management skills are essential.  Incumbent must be able to work with diverse groups on many different projects.    

Physical Demands:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; talk or hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects or controls.  The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.  On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:  

The work takes place in primarily an office/school environment, some travel and exposure to external elements may occur.

Equal Employment Opportunity and ADA:

DSHA practices equal employment opportunity. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment that supports diversity and is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and competence. Our employment practices are not unlawfully influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s characteristics protected by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, promotion, assignment, discharge, and other terms and conditions of employment.

DSHA also is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. It is the policy of DSHA to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, throughout all aspects of the hiring process, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for DSHA. If reasonable accommodation is needed during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 414-721-7419.

How to Apply: 

Interested individuals must complete the online application at www.dsha.info/careers and include resume, cover letter, three professional references, and salary expectations