Climate and Culture Specialist- Culturally Responsive Teaching

MESD and the MEA union are currently engaged in contract negotiations and the salary listed in this job posting reflects the rate for the 2023-24 school year. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreement, salary adjustments will be made for the 2024-25 school year as applicable.

Program: School Climate and Culture

Reports to: Program Manager

Classification/Range: Licensed

Schedule: 210 days

POSITION PURPOSE:

Culturally Responsive/Restorative Justice Specialists will provide technical assistance to districts, schools, and community agencies in developing and implementing systematic strategies and practices to promote positive climates and create stronger cultures of diversity, equity, and inclusion that address social, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning and capacity building. The Culturally Responsive Support Specialist will help develop and facilitate effective anti-racist/anti-bias training and coaching on tiered strategies that build the capacity of educators, administrators, and staff to improve climate and culture; build the social, emotional, and trauma-informed competencies of adults and students schoolwide; and increase understanding and implementation of culturally responsive practices. This position will work to build instructional practices that foster respect for all people and value for all people.

NATURE & SCOPE:

A Culturally Responsive/Restorative Justice Specialist will work as a member of an interdisciplinary team in the Climate and Culture department to provide the most effective and comprehensive professional learning and support services to administrators, educators, and teams.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide technical training and coaching on evidence-based practices for teams and leadership development, using various instructional techniques and formats.
• Consult and collaborate with school and district leaders about the most effective strategies to improve school culture and climate and effectively address student behavior.•
• Collaborate with school teams and leaders to develop data-driven, student-centered, trauma-sensitive, and culturally responsive plans for schoolwide culture and climate transformation within a continuous improvement process.
• Provide professional learning and coaching to educators and administrators surrounding classroom management, improving teacher/student relationships, Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, positive youth development, and behavior management within the classroom culture.
• Provide professional learning and facilitation on culturally responsive practices and teaching using Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism (ABAR) as the lens for teaching and learning.
• Collect and analyze implementation, progress monitoring, and evaluation data on school/district/organization-wide practices and programs to support building a positive culture and climate.
• Collaborate with district teams to support the implementation of various district priorities related to school culture/climate and improving student behavior.
• Lead and partner with district/school/community staff to coordinate the implementation of programming and supports such as social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction, conflict resolution, data-based decision-making, PBIS, Trauma-Informed
• Practices, Restorative Practices, Behavior Management, Safe school planning, and facilitation of Tier 2 supports.
• Collaborate with community agencies and partners in designing and providing a framework for additional support and services to students, educators, or administrators for targeted and intensive services.
• Attend all department meetings, team meetings, agency meetings, and other appointments relevant to the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES:

Equity: Lead and support regional equity initiatives

Vision: Lead with vision, follow-through, and student focus.

Trust: Develop trust among coworkers and students through honesty and fairness.

Communication: Communicate in an inclusive, effective, and collaborative manner.

Personal Qualities: Be respectful, excel in customer service, caring, humble, and courageous.

Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD programs and services.

Attendance: Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality are paramount as this provides consistency and alignment with students, peers, and programming outcomes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• A working knowledge of evidence-based practices for supporting student learning and behavior.
• Ability to utilize quantitative and qualitative data to identify growth opportunities, develop strategic/continuous improvement plans, progress monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of implementation.
• Ability to interface with educators, administrators, and staff to find creative solutions to challenging problems.
• Experience developing/facilitating strategies and learning around equity, inclusion, and diversity and a track record demonstrating the ability to have difficult conversations around racism and racial equity.
• Demonstrated experience with and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Ability to complete concurrent, complex assignments and to prioritize assignments to meet deadlines and project requirements.
• Strong analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively including listening.
• Maintains confidentiality to develop high levels of trust.
• Develop and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork.
• Daily and consistent attendance and punctuality

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience with and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Ability and willingness to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in the work environment.
• Ability to complete concurrent, complex assignments and to prioritize assignments to meet deadlines and project requirements.
• Strong analytical, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively including listening.
• Maintains confidentiality to develop high levels of trust.
• Develop and maintain an atmosphere of teamwork.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in Education, Social Work, or Counseling and a TSPC credential.
• Experience with facilitating professional learning for teams and/or leaders
• Demonstrated experience and passion for building cultural competency and positive cultural climates
• OR At least three years of experience in developing and supporting the implementation of data-driven decision-making within the continuous improvement process
• Any combination of education and experience that would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job


WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a typical office/school/outdoor environment subject to light/moderate/loud noise. Work is performed in person.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 
  Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move around for extended periods.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Vision: Visual acuity to read and interpret written and electronic information.
• Dexterity: Ability to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Hearing/Speaking: Ability to communicate and exchange accurate information so others will understand.
• Emotional/Psychological: Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in challenging situations, remain empathetic and understanding towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and needs, handle stress and pressure effectively, and adapt to change in the workplace.


BENEFITS:

• The district pays full medical, dental, and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Two medical insurance plan options:
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off and vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development


This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position does not carry administrative authority. All commitments outside of authorized programs and services are subject to prior approval by the supervisor of this position.

NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment.


Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.