Assistant Principal - Continuous Learning Opportunities

Hope is a clinical, educational, and therapeutic provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder. We exist to help children and their families reach their maximum potential by providing state-of-the-art applied behavioral analysis therapies and access to recreation, vocational training, and individualized education programming. Our mission is to provide the best services in the most inclusive environments to encourage persons to fulfill their individual potential through evidence-based treatment, advocacy, and community education. There’s no place like Hope.

Job Summary:

Serves as administrator in charge in the absence of the principal; represents the principal at designated meetings and instructional programs.

Essential Functions:

1. Creates, maintains, and facilitates school improvement initiatives outlined in the school improvement plan.
2. Assists the Principal in supervision and evaluation of educators and related service professionals in the Learning Academy in Springfield.
3. Assists the Director of Behavioral Health and Principal in oversight of the Hope Therapeutic Day Academy.
4. Ensures continuous updates of the Student Information System (SIS).
5. Acquires substitute teaching staff.
6. Plays an active role in the quality assurance of the Learning Academy in Springfield including observations, feedback, and documentation.
7. In conjunction with the Principal, ensures appropriate alternate assessments/testing are completed for each student.
8. Researches learning opportunities and leading edge prospects to bring to the Learning Academy to best equip our students for their independence.
9. In conjunction with the Best Placement Team, determines appropriate admission and placement of students.
10. In coordination with the Principal, provides appropriate discipline to teachers and LTAs.
11. Assess the implementation and efficacy of curriculum in classrooms.
12. Assists Principal in meeting coverage including but not limited to rounds, best placement, referral review, etc.
13. Assists in the supervision of the Hope Vocational Academy.
14. Assists the Principal in the process of accreditation.

Marginal Functions:

1. Assumes responsibility as a mandated reporter concerning incidents of alleged abuse or neglect of individuals served by Hope, as outlined in our agency’s policies and procedures.
2. Performs all other duties as required or assigned.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in indoor settings in a typical office climate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrates success in working with multiple stakeholder groups on issues of consensus building, policy formation, and system and network development.
2. Knowledge of autism resources and services. Superior communication skills and professional demeanor. Ability to elicit cooperation and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external contacts.
3. Excellent presentation skills with ability to represent organizations at high level meetings and governmental agencies. Understanding of concepts, practices, and procedures of non-profit, social service, educational and health care sectors.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A minimum of 5 years teaching experience.
2. A valid Type 75 State of Illinois Administrative Certificate with the General Administrative Endorsement.
3. Knowledge and experience in implementing current educational best practices, instructional models, including use of ongoing assessments and the ability to analyze data, utilize results, develop programs to enhance instruction and student achievement.
4. Knowledge of Special Education regulations.
5. Ability to work as part of a team of educators, clinicians, and medical professionals to ensure the best quality of education for each child.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Expertise in the implementation of programs and services for diverse learners. These programs include IEP process, professional development, curriculum development, and Student Information System (SIS).
2. Ability and experience in providing appropriate feedback to professionals as necessary to guide best practices.
3. Knowledge in the provision of clinical services for diverse learners.
4. Experience with organizing information, analyzing, and documentation of data.

Available Benefits Include:

1. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
2. Short & long term disability.
3. Tuition reimbursement & 401(k).
4. On-site health clinic for covered employees.