Location: St. Anthony Catholic School – Des Moines, Iowa
Reports To: Principal
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (Leadership Team)
Our Mission: St. Anthony School fosters a Catholic identity rooted in Christ. We will cultivate and model academic success for each student, faithful service, and love for all Christ’s children
The Director of Student Services is a key member of the administrative leadership team, responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and oversight of all student support systems. This role ensures that every student—regardless of learning differences, language background, or behavioral needs—has access to the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports necessary to thrive academically and spiritually. The Director of Student Services will lead with a heart of service, ensuring that our commitment to inclusive education reflects the Gospel values of compassion, justice, and the inherent dignity of every child.
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Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K–8 Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
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Establish consistent, school-wide processes for identifying and supporting students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
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Lead the Site Intervention Team and facilitate data-based decision-making.
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Oversee intervention systems, programming, and progress monitoring practices.
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Support staff in using universal screening, diagnostic tools, and student data to inform instruction and intervention.
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Serve as the school’s coordinator for Section 504 plans, including development, implementation, and compliance.
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Ensure fidelity of IEP implementation in collaboration with the AEA and partnering public school districts.
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Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations.
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Develop and maintain clear procedures and documentation practices related to student services.
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Oversee the English Learner program, ensuring effective language acquisition support.
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Coordinate ELPA21 screening and annual assessments.
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Support EL staff with scheduling, service delivery, and instructional best practices.
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Lead the development and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) as needed.
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Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support as needed.
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Partner with school leadership to implement student behavior systems aligned with PBIS and restorative practices.
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Coach and support teachers in differentiated instruction and inclusive practices for diverse learners.
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Provide professional development in MTSS, behavior supports, and effective classroom strategies.
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Build staff capacity to implement accommodations, interventions, and behavior supports with fidelity.
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Minimum of 5 years of experience in school administration, special education, school counseling, or school psychology
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Demonstrated experience with Section 504 plans and IEP implementation
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Strong expertise in MTSS and leading intervention teams
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Experience developing FBAs and BIPs and implementing restorative or PBIS practices
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Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff, families, and external partners
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Mission Alignment: A practicing Catholic is preferred; however, all candidates must demonstrate a deep respect for the Catholic faith and a commitment to upholding the mission and values of St. Anthony Catholic School.
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Preferred: Master’s degree in Educational Leadership/Administration with a valid Iowa Administrator License
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Alternative: Master’s degree in School Psychology or School Counseling with relevant licensure and demonstrated leadership experience
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Deep understanding of MTSS, differentiation, and intervention systems
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Knowledge of Section 504 compliance and student support requirements
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Ability to analyze and apply data to improve student outcomes
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Skill in leading adult learning and coaching educators
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Strong organizational, problem-solving, and systems-thinking abilities
