Dean of Students/Restorative Justice Coordinator at Maya Angelou Academy (YSC) SY 25-26
Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The Organization
Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!
If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org .
Site Description
The Youth Services Center (YSC) is the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth, responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by court order from the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.
Position Overview
The Dean of Students/Restorative Justice Coordinator is a professional educator or counselor who understands our student population's diverse and changing needs. Reporting to the Principal and working closely with coordinators, managers, and other leadership team members, the Dean of Students/RJ Coordinator cultivates a climate of positivity, cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and belonging that empowers and propels our scholars’ competence.
The Dean of Students/RJ Coordinator provides direct scholar and teacher support. The incumbent serves as the primary contact for all stakeholders for all issues related to scholar culture, rewards, and discipline. The Dean of Students/RJ Coordinator fosters a positive and inclusive school climate by promoting character education, social-emotional learning, and restorative justice practices. They support teachers with behavior management, mentor scholars, and collaborate with staff, other stakeholders, and families where appropriate to ensure scholar well-being.
Additionally, they provide training, implement school-wide culture initiatives, and engage the community to create a respectful and supportive learning environment. The Maya Angelou Schools recognize civility as the foundation for interaction and personal growth.
Requirements:
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Program Development and Planning:
- Provide leadership for strategically establishing and maintaining a positive, thriving school culture.
- Develop and implement strategies to create a positive, inclusive school culture that aligns with the school's values and mission.
- Design and implement a comprehensive behavior management system focusing on restorative practices, positive reinforcement, and character development.
Staff & Classroom Support:
- Work collaboratively with teachers and staff to address and resolve behavioral issues fairly and consistently.
- Provide training and support for teachers and staff on fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Student Engagement and Support:
- Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment where all scholars feel valued and supported
- Act as a mediator in resolving conflicts among scholars and staff.
- Implement conflict resolution strategies that promote understanding and cooperation.
- Develop and manage all positive incentives and recognitions.
Staff & Family Collaboration:
- Provide training and professional development for staff on behavior management, scholar engagement, and relationship-building.
- Work closely with teachers, counselors, and administrators to align behavior expectations and interventions.
Behavior Management & Student Support:
- Implement restorative practices and conflict resolution strategies to address scholar behavior.
- Support teachers with classroom management strategies and student behavior interventions.
- Develop behavior support plans in collaboration with teachers and staff.
- Monitor student behavior trends and recommend strategies to enhance the school climate
Administrative Duties:
- Utilize data to assess the effectiveness of culture-related initiatives and make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
- Collect, enter, and manage student conduct data.
- Prepare and maintain accurate student records as required by the school and submit such records by established deadlines for both internal and external compliance.
- Prepare regular reports for school leadership on culture-related metrics and trends.
- Support with other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (required)
- Master’s degree in a related field (preferred)
- Experience working with at-risk youth in an educational environment
- Strong understanding of restorative practices, positive behavior interventions, social-emotional learning, and equity-driven practices.
The Touchstone
At the Maya Angelou Schools, the key to our success is rooted in building trusting, respectful and nurturing relationships with each other. We strive to create safe spaces for all to be able to reach their limitless potential. We are at our best when we work together to ensure the unique needs of our community are met. We empower each other to grow successfully so we can see forever! This is how we live the Maya Way, even when no one is watching.
Salary and Benefits
Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.
See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.