Director of Related Services

Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis?

Come and work with our amazing students and staff at VFES and The Vanguard School!

Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, VFES and the Vanguard School are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VFES commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Title: Director of Related Services

Program/Dept: Vanguard School

Reports to: Executive Director

Work Year/Day: 12 month, 8 hours per day

FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. in clinical, counseling or school psychology.
• Current, valid Pennsylvania certification in school psychology. Current PA license to practice psychology preferred.
• PA Certification (or willing to pursue) as a Supervisor of Special Education or Pupil Personnel Services preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working in a clinical capacity with special education students.
• Minimum of three years’ experience supervising related services staff within an educational setting and the delivery of related services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the educational, therapeutic and behavioral needs of individuals with autism, behavior challenges in the educational setting, and emotional disturbances.
• Familiarity with admissions processes and systems within an educational and/or clinical environment.
• Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the job duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, students, parents, community based professionals and others).
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Ability to use computers and to perform computer based clerical skills at a proficient level.
  
  

General Duties And Responsibilities

The Director of Related Services serves as the clinical leader for The Vanguard School. The director will provide direction and leadership in the development and implementation of related services that will enhance the educational and clinical programs offered at The Vanguard School. The Director will partner with the Director of Education to ensure compliance with related services as outlined on each student’s IEP and, in partnership with the Director of Education, build a community within the Vanguard School that promotes quality services and complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, the Director of Related Services supervises the Assistant Director of Related Services, several members of the clinical services team, and the Admissions Department of VFES. In partnership with the Director of Education, the Director of Related Services will equally participate in and be contacts for legislative associations, the

Alliance for Approved Private Schools, the local community, VFES sponsored events, and any other related professional and support organizations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Directly supervises school psychologists, school counselors, behavior analysts, and the admission office assigned to The Vanguard School, including ESY programming.
• Assists the Assistant Director of Related Services with supervision and oversight relating to speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and school nurses assigned to The Vanguard School, including ESY programming.
• Partner with Director of Education to ensure delivery of quality educational and related services in accordance with recognized standards of practice.
• Conducts regular department/discipline-specific meetings for Related Services staff to ensure the proper delivery of services and alignment with IEP goals.
• Organizes and prepares with Director of Education monthly All Staff meetings with the Vanguard School workforce to provide a platform for an exchange of ideas, expression of concerns and a review of relevant regulatory compliance and VFES policies and procedures as needed and deemed appropriate.
• Partner with Director of Education the identification, development and oversight of the Vanguard School’s philosophy and implementation of a safe and supportive behavioral program while ensuring a commitment to the School Wide Positive Behavior Program.
• Ensures related services staff receive up to date training to maintain research-based standards of care, skills in assessment and treatment appropriate for the student population served, and certification/licensure in their respective professions.
• In partnership with the Director of Education, participate in assessment and development of new program components within The Vanguard School as identified through ongoing internal audits, internal data analysis, and community-based needs assessments.
• Serves as consultant to the Executive Director in matters related to parent conflict, mental health issues, and crises that may occur throughout VFES.
• Maintains a related services manual outlining all related services, purposes, and required policies to support implementation of school based related services.
• Provides oversight and direction for all Inquiry/Admissions processes for The Vanguard School and ESY programs. Will partner with Director of Education regarding all enrollment decisions.
• Oversees compliance with all applicable federal, state, PA State Mental Health and PA Department of Education laws and regulations.
• Develops and monitors the annual budget for the department, identifying programming needs, staffing changes, and capital expense items.
• Maintains a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (board members, administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).
• Serves as a member of the VFES Leadership Team. Collaborates with colleagues to foster a sense of community and support VFES initiatives.
• Attends and actively participates in other meetings as assigned.
• Maintains proper credentials for assignment and remains educationally informed in all related areas including PDE and national regulations for special education and PA State
  
  

VFES Human Resources: Revised: Ma y 2, 2024

Mental Health regulations through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.

• Performs related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.
  
  

VFES offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees’ 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

VFES and The Vanguard School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know. We're excited to hear from you!