Principal

Job Summary

The Principal provides leadership in a therapeutic education setting including oversight of the day to day operations of the school. The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution that facilitates effective learning. Within this capacity, the Principal will directly manage designated school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned. 

Essential Job functions        

• Continually responsible for assuring that the school attains and maintains all regulatory requirements including required filings, records maintenance and funder standards. 
• Assure that instruction and curriculum are presented to students utilizing sound pedagogical practices, facilitating the highest possible education and vocational outcomes for students, within regulatory guidelines.
• Evaluate and provide ongoing feedback to teachers and other school staff aimed at assuring high quality education and instruction.
• Serve as instructional coach, recommending programmatic methods and guidance with student transitions, for example.  
• Appropriately accesses and is aware of internal and community resources in support of school needs.
• Responsible for behavioral standards at the school and addresses behavior shortfalls as outlined by New York State Department of Education (SED) and Office of Mental Health (OMH). 
• Build meaningful relationships with families and school districts in order to facilitate school success for students.
• Oversee all administrative aspects of the school including scheduling, student/practice teacher programs, building use and maintenance, counseling and guidance and the availability of required in-service and training opportunities for staff.
• Supervise school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP DUTIES

• Leadership: Communicates supports and links Hillside mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies to everyday work and establishes clear, meaningful, challenging, and attainable objectives and expectations that are aligned with those of the organization.
• Management: Aligns the right work with the right people; delegates tasks according to people’s strengths and interests. Ensures staff has the skills and resources to be successful. Provides staff with coaching, training and opportunities for growth to improve their skills. Treats staff fairly and consistently. Shares accountability when delegating and involves staff in setting their performance goals.
• Governance: Ensures Hillside policies, procedures and all applicable governmental laws/regulations/guidelines are followed. Makes decisions and has authority to implement decisions in conjunction with the leadership structure of the given area of responsibility.

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree in Education, or related field required.
• NYS Certification in Special Education and School Building Administration required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a school administrator required.

Special Requirements

• Unrestricted, valid NYS driver’s license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards. 
• Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, Optimizes Decision Making, Builds Talent and Engagement, Manages Change, Fosters Accountability and Results, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:

• Understanding of educational theories, principles, and best practices in teaching, learning, and school administration to promote student achievement and school improvement.
• Familiarity with educational laws, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels, including special education requirements, Title I programs, and school accountability measures.
• Strong leadership and management skills to create a positive school culture, build effective teams, and lead school improvement efforts in collaboration with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including teachers, staff, students, parents, school board members, and community partners.
• Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes equity, diversity, and cultural responsiveness for all students and staff members.
• Skill in problem-solving and conflict resolution to address issues and concerns raised by stakeholders in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
• Proficiency in adapting to changing educational landscapes, embracing innovation, and leading change initiatives to address emerging needs and opportunities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
• The following physical demands are required:
  • Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
  • Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
  • Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
  • Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
  • Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
  • Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
  • Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
  • Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
• Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent. 
• Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
• Ability to change positions as needed

$77,000 Minimum pay rate, $117,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience. 

At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince George’s County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year.

Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings — whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.

Total Rewards: We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan – just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us!