About WalkerSince 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of lifes most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisionsResidential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutionswe deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference.
Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts. Make a Difference Every DayWalker Beacon School is a private non-profit 198-day special education school serving students of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. We serve 65 students in grades 7 through 12 with average to above average cognitive and academic ability who struggle predominantly with anxiety, depression, and trauma, which frequently manifests as internalizing behaviors. Many students in our school community have also experienced difficulties feeling accepted in a public-school setting while working to explore and accept their identities.
The Principal is responsible for daily operations of school program for students with significant mental health challenges. Supervise administrators and others, as needed. Support staff to provide a balance between the clinical and educational needs of students. Demonstrate commitment to the agencys mission.
Work directly with students, parents, staff, and collaterals to provide leadership regarding marketing, admissions, crisis intervention/behavior support, program development, educational excellence. Represent Walker Beacons needs to the senior management and Walkers Board of Directors. Essential FunctionsOversee the day to day operation of Walker Beacon School Provide leadership regarding positive behavioral supports, risk management, student discipline and crisis intervention Hire staff for all positions Manage personnel issues in collaboration with supervisor and HR department Provide supervision as assigned. Oversee budget and fiscal management in collaboration with supervisor Oversee site management in collaboration with facilities director Oversee student referrals and admissions process in collaboration with administrative team and others, as needed Oversee Information Technology and Program Improvement initiatives in collaboration with administrative team, IT and PI departments Ensure compliance with all DESE regulations, state and federal laws and regulations, and agency standards and goals Ensure appropriate and timely communication with all public school Special Education Departments as needed to comply with proper implementation of student IEP process, and communication of any reporting of critical incidents to DESE.
Ensure appropriate parent communication and parent involvement. Participate in Caregiver Connections: Walker Beacons Parent Advisory Council. Oversee internal communication management including student and staff manuals and annual dissemination of mandatory DESE policies and procedures; maintain DESE manual of required policies and procedures at the front desk. Work with Advancement Dept.
and supervisor as needed for fundraising and marketing. This includes assuring quality and accuracy of all written materials that are disseminated about Walker Beacon School. Maintain positive working relationship with City of Watertown personnel, including police, fire, school department and Board of Health. Conduct regular staff meetings Collaborate with Sr.
Director of Workforce Development to ensure comprehensive orientation and training for all staff. Collaborate with supervisor and other leaders as appropriate to discuss development of new business. Complete all supervisory tasks.All other duties as assigned. Skills and AbilitiesMust be able to successfully pass and apply Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) trainingMust be able to successfully complete First Aid/CPR trainingProven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, prioritize among competing priorities, and meet deadlines.Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and organizational needs.Excellent written and verbal communication skills include timely and respectful correspondence, reports, and reflective supervision.
Ability to access program locations.Must be able to respond to emergencies quickly and safely.Ability to sit at workstation for prolonged periods of time, consistent with OSHA suggestions and requirements. Ability to lift packages up to 10 pounds. Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm with flexibility as needed for program and operational needs12-month position QualificationsEducation and Certifications Required: Masters degreeMA Licensure as Special Education Administrator (All Levels), or Moderate Disabilities (5-12) ExperienceRequired: 1-3 years of previous experience in similar settingSupervisory experience Preferred: 5 years or more of previous experience in similar setting Other Requirements: Successfully complete background check suitability requirementsMust have reliable transportationValid MA drivers license preferred Supervision: Supervisor: Senior Vice President of ProgramsSupervisees: Clinical Director; Assistant Principal; Education Coordinator; Teachers as needed; other staff members as assigned Equal Opportunity StatementWalker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.
