North Lawndale College Prep
Dean of Restorative Justice - 12 month position
Position Summary:
The Dean of Restorative Justice is a key leadership position responsible for fostering a positive, safe, and productive school culture that supports the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. The Dean of Restorative Justice will lead a team and efforts in student behavior management, create systems to manage students and promote adherence to school policies, and implement proactive strategies to ensure a respectful and disciplined learning environment. This role requires strong communication skills, a commitment to restorative justice practices, and the ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and families.
Key Responsibilities:
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Student Behavior and Discipline:
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Oversee and manage all aspects of student behavior, attendance, and truancy.
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Implement and enforce the school's code of conduct and disciplinary policies consistently and fairly.
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Conduct investigations into student incidents, mediate conflicts, and facilitate resolution processes.
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Administer appropriate consequences for disciplinary infractions, in collaboration with school leadership.
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Maintain accurate and detailed records of all disciplinary actions and student interventions.
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School Culture and Environment:
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Actively contribute to creating and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and high-expectation school culture.
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Promote student engagement and a sense of belonging among all students.
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Lead initiatives to foster student leadership, self-discipline, and responsible decision-making.
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Ensure a safe and orderly campus environment, including supervising common areas (e.g., hallways, cafeteria, school grounds).
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Student Support and Intervention:
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Develop and implement proactive behavior intervention strategies and support plans for students.
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Counsel students on behavioral issues, attendance, and social-emotional well-being.
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Collaborate with the counseling team, social workers, and other support staff to address student needs.
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Implement restorative justice practices to resolve conflicts and address behavioral challenges.
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Family and Community Engagement:
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Communicate regularly and effectively with parents/guardians regarding student behavior, attendance, and progress.
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Facilitate parent meetings related to student conduct and support.
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Build strong relationships with families to foster a collaborative approach to student success.
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Staff Collaboration and Development:
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Work closely with teachers and other school staff to support effective classroom management techniques.
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Provide guidance and training to staff on student management strategies and school policies.
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Collaborate with the administrative team on school-wide initiatives and strategic planning.
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Safety and Crisis Management:
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Assist in the development and implementation of school safety plans and emergency procedures.
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Respond to and manage student-related crises, ensuring student and staff safety.
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Supervise security personnel and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
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Compliance and Reporting:
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Ensure all student affairs practices and procedures comply with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as NLCP policies.
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Prepare and submit required reports related to student behavior, attendance, and disciplinary actions.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, School Leadership, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
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Minimum of 3-5 years of management experience in an educational setting, with demonstrated experience in student management, discipline, and support in a public high school.
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Prior experience as a teacher or in a school leadership role is highly desirable.
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Strong understanding of adolescent development and effective behavior management strategies.
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Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families from diverse backgrounds.
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Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
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Knowledge of restorative justice practices and conflict resolution techniques.
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Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic school environment.
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Commitment to the mission and values of North Lawndale College Prep.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
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Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
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Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
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Frequent work in a school setting with a moderate to loud noise level.
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Travel required for alumni outreach and post-secondary institution visits.
Conditions of Employment
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Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
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Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.
