Job Description

EdAdvance is one of Connecticut's six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs). EdAdvance is also a partner in the RESC Alliance and works collaboratively with the other RESC groups to support state-wide initiatives.

Mission
EdAdvance, exists to promote the success of school districts and their communities.

EdAdvance is redefining what a Regional Education Service Center can be using a systemic approach � grounded in the " 3C's", Connection Culture, and Customization. Focused on local and regional priorities, we are reinvesting the expertise, energy, and resources of the agency to amplify the benefit of our constituents.

A continuing commitment to quality and excellence is our standard of performance. EdAdvance has over 600 employees with facility locations in Litchfield, Danbury, Plymouth, and Torrington.

What we offer employees

• A highly collaborative work environment
• A high employee retention rate and recognition for years of service (at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental Insurance (30+ hours/week)
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Generous paid time off policies
• Health & wellness programs
• Reimbursement for Professional Development
• Staff learning days
• Agency-wide annual celebrations

Director of School Climate and Mental Health Services
Reports to: Executive Director
FT salary exempt position � 260 days annually
Litchfield/Plymouth/Danbury
Pay Rate: $199,000 annual salary
The position is open until filled
Start Date: January 1, 2027

Job Description EdAdvance is seeking a qualified applicant to provide consultation, planning, support, service, and training to school districts in the areas of school climate and mental health support for administrators, teachers, support staff, and students. The Director of School Climate and Mental Health Services will provide direct support for district/school clients and may also facilitate and manage the assignment of other agency staff to projects when necessary.

The Director of School Climate and Mental Health Services works under the supervision of the Executive Director, federal DOE and CSDE grant liaisons. This position requires frequent on-site visits to schools and the evaluation of employees. Regular and consistent in-person attendance is an essential function of this position.

Major Responsibilities

Lead EdAdvance in a multi-RESC initiative to ensure full implementation of the Connecticut Department of Education' School Climate Training and Support Grant

• Build, expand, and sustain coordinated school based mental health services in designated rural districts through implementation of supports, community provider coordination, telehealth capacity and data driven continuous school climate improvement.
• Implement and oversee a 5-year multi-district school mental health system beginning with a pilot cohort and expanding to a statewide rural network by years 3 and 4.
• Leading the implementation of strategic goals and reporting of measurable targets to the CSDE.
• Complete School Health and Assessment Performance Evaluation surveys and resource mapping in participating districts.
• Lead EdAdvance, with support from EASTCONN and LEARN in the implementation of grant goals
• Create and monitor $4.2 multi-year grant budget

Lead and oversee the final year of the School Based Mental Health Provider Grant

• Provide direction and oversight of the SBMH provider program, including executive meetings with district superintendents, oversight of leadership and providers, plan and present community of practice and professional learning opportunities for providers.
• Communicate with superintendents and building principals for end-of-grant planning.

Other responsibilities

• Designing, promoting, and implementing a continuum of programs, supports, and services to meet school district needs related to school climate, mental health, and wellness
• Responsible for providing support to EdAdvance districts in all areas of school climate including; professional development, school climate surveys and data collection, in-district professional development, support, and coaching.
• Assist school district clients with design, implementation, and training support for school
• climate planning and implementation of initiatives
• Provide assistance with obtaining, supporting, implementing, and managing associated grant-funding initiatives
• Serve as a liaison to school districts in the EdAdvance region, to provide information on local, regional, state, and federal laws and resources for school climate, trauma support, crisis management, mental health/wellness, etc.
• Participation as part of various collaborative teams that will include other EdAdvance department leaders and staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build strong, trusting, and supportive relationships
• Organize and lead a multi-disciplinary team, in working with school district stakeholders to design/plan for programming and services
• Deep understanding of the functioning of school districts and schools
• Knowledge of the availability and structure of regional private, non-profit, and agency-based providers of social services and/or mental health services
• Strong organizational and management skills
• Create and manage budgets for School Based Mental Health Department
• Excellent customer service skills - patience, active listening, positive language, resilience
• Effective communication, including strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

Qualifications/Requirements

• 093 certification strongly preferred
• 092 certification; master's degree in a related academic area is required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience providing technical support, training; direct experience with educators and/or school administrators is essential
• Flexible working in a dynamic, fast-paced educational environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability and willingness to work with people holding a
• variety of positions across different levels of a school district or organizations hierarchy
• Works well in a team environment
• Must have the desire to learn and grow

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform essential functions with or without accommodations

Travel

• Travel between sites required using personal vehicle

• IRS mileage rate applies
  
  Application Procedure:
  Applications should be submitted for consideration by visiting EdAdvance's employment page at, http://edadvance.org/about-us/employment, and click on the APPLY button next to the job posting of interest.
  
  EdAdvance does not discriminate in any of its programs, activities or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran, marital or familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, or status as a domestic violence victim, (along with any other classification protected by law). EdAdvance further provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and all other designated youth groups. To file a complaint of discrimination, write Director, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103. Any person having inquiries concerning EdAdvance's compliance with its nondiscrimination policies and procedures, including compliance with Section 504, Title VI or Title IX, should contact: HR@edadvance.org

  In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.