Director of School Counseling, Testing, MTSS

Director of School Counseling, Testing, MTSS

REPORTS TO:  Director of Curriculum & Instruction

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree or higher in School Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field
• Valid New Jersey School Administrator or Principal Certification
• Administrator experience required; minimum of 5 years employed as a school counselor
• Demonstrated knowledge of MTSS frameworks, NJ State assessment programs, and special education regulations
• Demonstrated leadership in school improvement, program development and curriculum integration and application of technology across the curriculum
• Ability to plan, organize and administer a district-level professional development program
• Independent use of Google Suite, word processing, Excel, E-Mail, Internet and appropriate software applications is highly desirable
• Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status

SUPERVISES:

School Counselors, Student Assistance Counselor (w/principals), Testing Coordinators and Interventionists (w/supervisors)

JOB GOAL:

The Director of School Counseling shall be directly responsible for the administration and supervision of all activities in the School Counseling Department K–12, including Student Assistance Counselors, and shall oversee all student support services, including SAC services, testing coordination, HIB processes, McKinney-Vento compliance, and the implementation of the district's Vernon Township System of Supports (VTSS) — the district's Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

School Counseling

• Provide leadership, oversight, and evaluation of the district's comprehensive K–12 School Counseling Program, including academic, social-emotional, and college/career readiness components, ensuring alignment with district goals and the needs of all students.
• Supervise and evaluate school counseling staff and assigned personnel, providing ongoing feedback, support, and professional growth opportunities.
• Coordinate the recruitment and assignments of counseling and student support personnel.
• Serve as the district's Anti-Bullying Coordinator, ensuring compliance with all state regulations, overseeing investigations and reporting, supporting building specialists, and providing regular updates to the Board of Education.
• Serve as the district's McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, ensuring identification, enrollment, and support of homeless students in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Serve as the district's 504 Coordinator, ensuring compliance with Section 504 regulations and appropriate support for eligible students.
• Serve as the district's crisis and threat assessment lead, including coordination of the district's threat assessment team and response to traumatic events.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to student services, counseling programs, HIB, McKinney-Vento, and 504.
• Oversee the maintenance, accuracy, and confidentiality of student records and reporting systems in accordance with legal requirements.
• Plan and implement professional development for counseling staff and administrators related to student support services, HIB, crisis response, and best practices.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and community stakeholders regarding counseling programs and student support services.

Testing

• Oversee the coordination and administration of all State and district assessments (grades 3–12), including scheduling, security protocols, and testing logistics.
• Train and support building-level testing coordinators and proctors on testing procedures, ethical standards, and NJDOE compliance requirements.
• Coordinate and verify the implementation of testing accommodations in alignment with student IEP and 504 plans.
• Analyze and disseminate assessment results to district and school leadership to inform instructional improvement and program planning.
• Ensure compliance with NJDOE testing policies, reporting timelines, and data submission requirements.

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (VTSS)

• Provide leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the district's Vernon Township System of Supports (VTSS), ensuring coordinated, tiered interventions and support for all students.
• Oversee universal screening and progress monitoring processes across all tiers and grade levels to ensure timely identification of student need.
• Lead and support building-level data teams in using evidence to guide tiered intervention decisions and monitor student response to support.
• Ensure fidelity of tiered intervention implementation through coaching, observation, and data review.
• Partner with the Office of Special Services to align VTSS interventions with IEP goals and student support plans.
• Facilitate regular department and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment, communication, and effective implementation of student support programs.
• Collaborate with building administrators, curriculum supervisors, and district leadership to ensure alignment between student support services and instructional programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and work year to be determined as mutually agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Salary Range: $110,000 – $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, and in accordance with VTAA contract salary guide.