Director of Student Services

Position Title: Director of Student Services

Reports To: Superintendent

Location: Cedar Springs, MI

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Start Date: July 1, 2025

Application Deadline: May 30, 2025

Position Summary:

Cedar Springs Public Schools is seeking an innovative, student-centered leader to serve as the District's Director of Student Services. This position plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to services that support the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral well-being of all students. The Director will oversee mental health supports, crisis response, student behavior systems, health services, and federal compliance areas including McKinney-Vento and Foster Care programs. This role requires strong leadership, cross-departmental collaboration, and a visionary approach to supporting the needs of the whole child.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Compliance

Add value to district leadership decision-making and initiatives as an active participant on the Superintendent's Leadership Team.

Serve as a key member of the district's Critical Incident Response/Safety Team.

Provide leadership for district and building efforts in the areas of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Specially Designed Instruction.

Ensure compliance with laws and regulations, including seclusion and restraint, parental rights disputes, McKinney-Vento, and foster care.

Coordinate support for major student issues, including behavior, crisis response, and legal concerns. Mental Health & Wellness

Lead the visioning, implementation, and continuous improvement of mental health programming.

Oversee mental health staffing, budgeting, evaluations, and community partnerships (e.g., Pine Rest, Arbor Circle).

Manage suicide prevention protocols, data tracking, and administrative training. Student & Family Services

In partnership with principals, supervise School Resource Officers (SROs) and school nursing staff, ensuring high-quality services and data fidelity.

Guide the development and implementation of individualized health care plans and behavioral intervention plans.

Support school leaders with suspension/expulsion guidance and restorative practices. Equity & Access

Champion inclusive support for LGBTQ+ students and families.

Address concerns about schools of choice and registration challenges.

Advocate for students and families navigating homelessness or foster care placement, ensuring access to services and educational stability. Professional Development & Systems Support

Design, deliver, and/or facilitate professional learning for administrators and staff in mental health, crisis response, legal compliance, and trauma-informed practices.

Collaborate with district leadership on the alignment and implementation of the District's strategic plan.

Lead the development and facilitation of Student Threat Assessment Teams (STAT). Qualifications:

Required:

Master's degree in Education, School Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field.

Valid Michigan certification or licensure relevant to educational leadership or student services.

Proven leadership experience in student support services, mental health, or special education.

Deep understanding of legal compliance related to student services. Preferred:

Experience in crisis response and systems-level change.

Expertise in MTSS, trauma-informed care, and restorative practices.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Commitment to equity and the holistic development of every child. Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit:

A letter of interest

Current resume

Three professional references

Copy of certification(s)/licensure Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cedar Springs Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and seek individuals committed to inclusion, belonging, and support for all students and staff.

WHO ARE WE?

Cedar Springs Public Schools is a Preschool through 12th-grade public school consisting of over 3,000 students and nearly 400 employees. We are located within the city limits of Cedar Springs, Michigan in Kent County. Cedar Springs Public Schools is one of 20 member public school districts within the Kent Intermediate School District (KISD). We are unique in that our schools are all located within a single campus setting with the exception of the Middle School which is located 1 mile south of the main campus. The setting is secure, picturesque, and allows easy access for families participating in activities for more than one child.

Our exemplary educational system is a result of the collaborative efforts of parents, students, school and community. Together, we are providing opportunities for students to reach their full potential by providing a well-rounded educational experience. WE are RED HAWKS!

DISTRIBUTION: Internal / External

APPLICATIONS: Submit an application, cover letter and resume by clicking here. NO HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED/REVIEWED VIA MAIL OR HAND DELIVERY.