Restorative Practices Specialist
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
This position reports to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity (DEI) Coordinator, job coach and/or counselor and is responsible for working with school building staff to embed and build capacity in the use of Restorative Practices, with wide leeway for carrying out the details of the work. The candidate works to ensure staff beliefs, assumptions, values and ways of interacting to support an environment that will have a positive effect on social and psychological experiences of all students from all backgrounds (i.e.: race, ethnicity, SES, gender, sexual orientation, religions, etc.) with an increase in student engagement. The incumbent will provide embedded coaching and professional development to the staff to implement trauma informed strategies, to include Restorative Practices. This position requires a high degree of cultural awareness, understanding of culturally responsive education and collaboration. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
? Develop a strong understanding about how things like implicit biases, systemic racism, adverse childhood experience and inequity contribute to negative student outcomes;
? Maintain alignment between all positive behavior support systems;
? Leveraging of mental health programming (i.e. counseling, school psychologist, social workers, etc.);
? Supports culturally responsive practices to include the implementation of restorative
circles;
? Engages in mediations involving students, staff and community members to reduce incidents leading to school discipline systems;
? Facilitate professional development for staff and community aimed at decreasing disproportionality;
? Conducts classroom visits, ongoing feedback and coaching on best practices; Ensures alignment to the practices identified in the Code of Conduct;
? Completes other tasks assigned by the Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of school district programs; Good knowledge of methods and procedures used in record maintenance; Good organizational skills, excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to enlist the cooperation of others to meet a defined goal; Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; Ability to work with youth in an urban setting; knowledge and skills in Restorative Practices; Ability to develop quality rapports with parents, students, administration and the school Board of Education; Ability to organize meetings; ability to organize members of the community to develop grassroots concerns and communicate them effectively; Ability to advocate for parents and seek information to assist families; Compassion and respect for others, cultural sensitivity to populations with the school district; tact, courtesy and resourcefulness in dealing with people; Ability to work evenings, including attendance at evening meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma AND
A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS college or university with a bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience in a school environment and/or a community-based organization with a focus on youth and families OR
B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS college or university with an associate’s degree and four (4) years of experience in a school environment and/or a community-based organization with a focus on youth and families OR
C) Six (6) years of experience as defined by the limits of (A) above.
Adopted by the Columbia County Civil Service Commission 12/13/2022 competitive