Head of Department Tier 4 Level Support Programme

Tier 4 level support encompasses students with identified intensive cognitive and or adaptive needs.

The Head of Department for Tier 4 Level Support Programme is responsible to the Secondary Principal for the leadership of teaching, learning and relevant resources for the programme. As such, the Head of Department leads and oversees the learning and progress for all students who currently receive, and potentially should receive, an intensive level of learning support. The Head of Department is a member of the Secondary Head of Department Team and the Secondary Pastoral Leadership Team. The Head of Department is, accordingly, responsible for positively supporting school change as outlined in the school’s strategic plan.

A Head of Department in the Secondary School needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to the school’s shared cultural competencies, such as maintaining a collaborative ethos within the school. In addition, he/she needs to embody an understanding of the social and emotional dimensions of learning as evidenced through their practice.

Responsibilities

• Providing supervision of Tier 4 level support team members.
• Developing and designing of the vocational programme facilitated within the Tier 4 level support programme.
• Developing and designing the transition process for new students entering the Tier 4 level support programme who are joining ICS and existing students within the school.
• Developing the transition programme for students as they approach the end of their academic career at ICS by liasoning with the family and external support organisations.
• Collaborating with external professionals who will facilitate evaluations and or additional therapy sessions for Tier 4 level support students.
• Structuring and implementing a department meeting structure that strives to move the Tier 4 level support programme forward.
• Serving as the connection between the Tier 4 level support team and ICS administrative team.
• Facilitating Gemeinde (local authority) funding applications.
• Hosting review meetings annually of Gemeinde funding in alignment with Gemeinde requirements.
• Supporting in programme moderation (eg. ASDAN course submission for accreditation).
• Promoting and modelling best practice in co-teaching, a learner-centred approach and a highly collaborative approach to team-planning within the Tier 4 level support team.
• Coordinating support for colleagues, parents and students in contributing to and understanding the Tier 4 level support programme.
• Advocating for students who are involved in the Tier 4 level support programme.
• Ensuring that all Tier 4 level support students have plans with which to maximise their potential and effectively accommodate their individual learning profile, needs and preferences.
• Working with the admissions team with regards to applicants who may require intensive support.
• Mentoring teachers in their professional development.
• Coordinating the co-teaching allocation in consultation with the HoD for English as an Additional Language and the HoD for Learning Support.
• Attending and contributing to Head of Department meetings and developing concepts from these meetings with the rest of the Tier 4 level support team.
• Coordinating and attending parent workshops as needed.
• Planning and overseeing the Tier 4 level support budget.
• Coordinating Learning Support assessment for the admissions process, which involves communicating with parents, the IB coordinators, counsellors and the Secondary Principal. Making recommendations in Open Apply based on student support needs and Secondary School Learning Support allocation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in special education required with certification in severe/profound specific intellectual learning needs and preferences preferred;
• Master’s degree in special education preferred;
• ABA training/background preferred;
• Current teaching certificate from an accredited university required;
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral;
• At least two years of experience teaching students with intellectual specific intellectual learning needs and preferences in an inclusive school setting;
• Successful experience integrating students with intellectual specific intellectual learning needs and preferences in general education classes;
• A broad interdisciplinary knowledge of PYP/MYP/DP curricula preferred;
• Strong organisational skills  and attention to detail to ensure effective and efficient management of the workload;
• Must be free of physical limitations that would exclude the performance of any of the above tasks as well as, but not limited to, lifting, bending, standing, climbing and walking.

Terms and conditions

The initial contract is for two years and is renewable. The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.

Next steps

Interested candidates should email a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, a detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.

Applications should be addressed to:

Ms Mary-Lyn Campbell,

Head of School

We are looking forward to receiving your online application.