Assistant Director of Student Support and Empowerment bei Dougherty County School System

                                                                                                                                 
 

      
POSITION:                   Assistant Director of Student Support and Empowerment
 
LOCATION:                  Albany High Complex
 
JOB SUMMARY:
The Assistant Director of Student Support and Empowerment provides strategic leadership and coordination of critical student support programs across the Dougherty County School System (DCSS). This position oversees and supports Student Support and Empowerment Services, Extended Learning, Behavioral Health, Dual Enrollment, School Based Health Centers, School Nurses, Social Work Services, including crisis intervention and homeless student support. Additionally, the role coordinates district initiatives related to School Counseling and Graduation Coach services, collaborating closely with school and district leaders to align supports that foster college and career readiness. This role also partners with the Department of Assessment and Accountability to support school administrators and instructional teams in building effective master schedules and academic pathways for students.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, School Counseling, Social Work, or related field (advanced degree preferred);
2. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in education, including at least five years in leadership positions at the school and/or district level, preferably in Counseling, Social Work, or Student Support Services;
3. Alternatives to the above qualifications, as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent and the Board.

 
Skills and Abilities:

1. Effective liaison with various constituencies;
2. Strong decision-making, budgeting, and resource management skills;
3. Proficiency in leading, organizing, and directing the work of others;
4. Demonstration of ability to design and implement short- and long-range objectives;
5. Adaptation to diverse groups, active listening, and provision of effective leadership for a positive work environment;
6. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
7. Excellent written and verbal communication;
8. Outstanding leadership and organizational skills;
9. Knowledge of Georgia FTE and master scheduling processes, course coding, and GaDOE compliance;
10. Comprehensive understanding of MTSS, SEL, and mental health frameworks within a K-12 system.

Performance Responsibilities:   

1. Provide leadership and supervision for district programs including Counseling, Graduation Coach, Social Work, Behavioral Health, School Nurses, School Based Health Centers and Extended Learning;
2. Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, GADOE regulations, and local board policies related to student support programs;
3. Oversee the district’s Crisis Intervention Plan and serve as a member of the district crisis response team;
4. Provide technical assistance and training to principals, counselors, and registrars in schedule design and course alignment;
5. Support the coordination of services for homeless and high-need student populations.
6. Provide leadership and training in master scheduling and FTE optimization to support accurate reporting, efficient staffing, and equitable course access for students;
7. Support implementation of the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, ensuring integration of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports across all schools.

 

Program Development and Support

 

1. Collaborate with departments and school leaders to design and implement student support initiatives aligned with DCSS strategic goals;
2. Lead the development and delivery of professional learning opportunities for counselors, social workers, graduation coaches, and other student support staff;
3. Guides and supports  in planning, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive K-12 guidance and counseling program;
4. Partner with the Department of Assessment and Accountability to support effective academic scheduling and course development;
5. Mentor and advise professional school counselors, providing direct consultation and guidance to principals;
6. Support implementation of SEL curricula and staff capacity-building in trauma-informed and restorative practices.

 

Data, Evaluation, and Reporting

 

1. Analyze program data to assess impact, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement;
2. Support research and evaluation efforts related to student support services, college and career readiness, and student outcomes;
3. Oversee data collection and reporting related to counseling services, graduation rates, and postsecondary success;
4. Collaborate with departments to analyze and report data on attendance, behavior, SEL, and MTSS tiered supports to guide decision-making;
5. Monitor dashboards reflecting school performance in FTE accuracy, scheduling compliance, and support service effectiveness.

Collaboration and Partnerships

1. Collaborate with universities, community agencies, and service providers to expand access to mental health, counseling, and scholarship opportunities;
2. Collaborate with universities and technical colleges to support Dual Enrollment; 
3. Partner with community mental health providers, hospitals, and family agencies to expand school-based behavioral health access;
4. Serve as liaison to the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, facilitating student voice and engagement;
5. Partner with Human Resources to coordinate internship programs for School Counseling and Social Work candidates.

 

Fiscal Management and Compliance

 

1. Participate in the development and management of program budgets and expenditures;
2. Contribute to the creation and revision of district policies, handbooks, and operating guidelines related to student support services.

 

Other Duties

 

1. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director of Student Support and Empowerment.

 

REPORTS TO:  Executive Director of Student Support and Empowerment

SALARY RANGE: 12-month employee. Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by October 22, 2025.

   
About Us:
 
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle and 3 high schools), four learning centers and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
 
Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interests include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.
 
 
Important Note:
 
This document provides descriptive information about the above The Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.