Assistant Director, Transition Services

Title: Assistant Director, Transition Services  

Department:  Transition and Alternative Education 

Reports To:  Executive Director, Opportunity Network  

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 198.405 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us? 

Job Summary

Oversees the non-instructional operations of the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Transition programs (AEDY). Provides non-instructional support and develops strategic plans for AEDY Transition programs and School District alternative education programs that transition students. Supervises non-instructional staff engaged in programmatic activities for AEDY Transition programs. Develops and executes strategic plans, programs, and policies that decrease re-offense rates, ensure effective counseling and behavior modification, comply with the State’s AEDY regulations and interpretations, and foster district-wide equity in making disciplinary transfers and restorations. Monitors, evaluates, and designs programs that educate reentry students and students on disciplinary transfer. Supports the Director of Multiple Pathways to Graduation with overseeing the budget for AEDY Transition programs. Serves as the District’s liaison in cross-functional work with citywide agencies to build effective systems of support for reentry students and students on disciplinary transfer.

This is a full-time, 12-month, union-represented position (CASA). The salary grade is 0620, starting at $85,303.

Essential Functions

• Oversee contracted AEDY Transition programs; supervise school-based and central office Transition Liaisons engaged in related programmatic activities.
• Focus on using data to develop evidence-based, system-wide initiatives that: improve outcomes for students (decrease re-offense rates, ensure effective counseling and behavior modification); are responsive to the State's AEDY regulations and related interpretation changes; and foster district-wide equity in making disciplinary transfers.
• Develop policies and procedures for School District programs, contracted programs, and other internal and external entities, to ensure smooth transitions for students.
• Develop and maintain relationships with social service agencies, courts and community-based resources to assist in securing appropriate school assignments for students.
• Resolve concerns from parents, social service agencies and partners at a managerial level.
• Work closely with the Office of School Climate and Safety, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and the Office of Intervention and Prevention to ensure alignment of Districtwide climate initiatives and behavioral health supports, and to ensure that students are placed in disciplinary programs and restored to regular education according to all applicable laws and guidelines.
• Provide leadership for Transition Liaisons who advocate for the full and smooth reentry of youth into traditional school settings.
• Submit end-of-year data and the District’s annual application to the State AEDY Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
• Work to ensure that AEDY programs and District schools and offices are abreast of the latest PDE regulations and maintain compliant practices across all entities.