Director of Programs for Students who are BVI

COMPETITION #: 2024-02

INITIAL POSTING DATE: April 8, 2024

LOCATION: Within the Atlantic Provinces

POSITION: Full Time, Permanent

SALARY: EC 13, set in accordance with Non-Union Salary Range, Public Service Commission of Nova Scotia

APPLICATION BY: April 22, 2024 at Noon

START DATE: June 2024 or other mutually agreed upon date thereafter

Who We Are

APSEA is an interprovincial cooperative agency established in 1975 by joint agreement among the Ministers of Education of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

APSEA provides educational services, programs, and opportunities for children and youth who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired who reside in Atlantic Canada. Our employees support learners to reach their highest potential for an independent, self-sufficient, and fulfilling life.

What We Offer

APSEA offers meaningful opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inspiring, supportive, and inclusive. 

In joining APSEA's team, you would receive:

· Access to a Pension Plan

· Access to Nova Scotia Teachers Health and Dental benefits plan

· Paid vacation

· Professional learning opportunities

Position Details

The Director of Programs - BVI is a member of the senior leadership team of the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA).Under the direction of the Superintendent, this role is responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of programs and services for children and youth who are blind or visually impaired (BVI). They are also responsible to provide strategic leadership to Supervisors and employees, translating priorities and vision into operational programs and initiatives that benefit the communities in which they serve. 

This role serves as a vital and proactive resource in BVI programming to the APSEA Board of Directors,Program Advisory Committee (PAC),Superintendent, and Senior Leadership team. The Director supports children, youth, and families by developing programs and providing services that align with current educational practices and mandates within the Atlantic provinces.

The director will be expected to:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services for children and youth who are BVI.
• Ensure consistent application of service in all BVI programming. 
• Maintain a strong understanding and experience in assessment and evaluation processes and procedures and oversees consistent application within division.
• Collaborate with other program directors to ensure equity and quality of programs and services with a focus on supporting culturally and linguistically responsive programming to meet learner’s needs. 
• Develop short and long term programming plans in alignment with provincial mandates.
• Motivate, guide and direct employees to contribute to organizational goals and objectives, to the best of their abilities. 
• Provide input and recommendations for the development and maintenance of their respective program’s organizational structure that best enables APSEA to fulfill its mandate. 
• Follow APSEA’s recruitment and selection processes to attract and retain high performing employees.
• Contribute to the maximum operating efficiency of BVI Programs through the effective management of human and financial resources, in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Administration, Director of Human Resources, and the Superintendent. 
• Work within an approved budget to ensure appropriate training and development opportunities are available for employees. Identifies and makes recommendations to the Superintendent when additional funding is required.
• Make recommendations to the Superintendent on selection, promotion and termination of employees as required. 
• Administer the terms and conditions of all collective agreements which affect employees within the division. 
• Work in a cooperative manner with other organizations and community partners remaining committed to ensuring the education system is responsive to the needs of the community served by APSEA.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are among APSEA’s guiding principles. Moreover, diversity within APSEA is a strength that must be cultivated. It is the responsibility of every ASPEA employee to foster a culture that embraces and promotes diversity.

Requirements and Qualifications You Bring:

• Ten (10) years of experience teaching children and/or youth who are blind or visually impaired.
• Minimum of (5) years of experience in a leadership/supervisory capacity, within education.
• Masters Degree in Education of students who are blind or visually impaired, or equivalent. 
• Masters Degree in Educational Administration/Leadership or equivalent education and experience.
• A valid Nova Scotia Teacher’s Certificate.
• Experience in the recruitment, supervision and evaluation of employee(s).
• Experience in programming and service delivery for learners in the public school system.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Deals openly, honestly and transparently in pursuit of departmental and organizational goals. 
• Highly organized and detail oriented, with strong decision-making skills. 
• Is driven to work with external stakeholders to enhance communication and supports for APSEA programs. 
• A forward focused individual who proactively seeks new knowledge and skills, who looks for opportunities to improve the organization and experience of team members.
• Proven ability to prioritize effectively, productively lead multiple priorities, and work in a team environment, contributing to organization and team success.
• Works independently with limited supervision, is self-directed, and demonstrates initiative. 
• Ability to apply knowledge, experience, and commitment in the areas of cross-cultural understanding, human rights and diversity. 
• This individual is a leader in their specialized field, and a critical BVI knowledge resource for colleagues, stakeholders, and external leaders.   
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Demonstrates ethical decision making, positive team attitude, along with a commitment to privacy.
• Provision of leadership may be required outside of regular hours. 
• Occasional travel may be required within the Atlantic Provinces, so access to a reliable mode of transportation would be required.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is an asset.
• French Language fluency is an asset.
• Experience in the development of policies and procedures is considered an asset.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.

APSEA is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants. As part of this commitment, APSEA will ensure that applicants are provided reasonable accommodations, as required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact Julia Pascucci, HR Generalist, julia_pascucci@apsea.ca