Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders

**Delta School District**

**Inviting Applications for the Position of**

**Principal, Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD)**
- Delta School District is honored to be working and learning on the traditional territory of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations and all of the _hənqəminəm_ speaking people who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial_

The Delta School District aims to be an innovative, inclusive community where all learners belong, and everyone soars. We are a District of more than 16,000 students and 3,000 employees. The District's mission is to inspire and nurture thriving, future-ready learners at each of its 31 schools, located in Ladner, North Delta, and Tsawwassen. We value Compassion, Responsibility, Integrity, Creativity, Diversity, and Resilience. Our schools and District offices are located on the traditional territories of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations. The District offers its respect to the Knowledge Keepers and all First Peoples who have been stewards on these lands since time immemorial.

The Principal of the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality consultation, training, and support services to public and independent schools across British Columbia. Reporting

to the Director of Inclusive Learning, the Principal is responsible for overseeing POPARD's multidisciplinary team of consultants and psychologists, ensuring the program meets its provincial mandate to build the capacity of educators to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

**Key Responsibilities**:Leadership and Supervision**

- Provides direct supervision, mentorship, and performance management to POPARD consultants, psychologists, and support staff.
- Fosters a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, promoting professional growth, teamwork, and shared accountability within a unionized setting.
- Leads the POPARD mentorship program and facilitates clinical supervision groups to build staff capacity and maintain high professional standards.
- Creates, revises, and manages the consultant schedule, including district assignments, teaching schedules, and other organizational tasks.
- Hires, orients, and supports new staff members, ensuring a strong onboarding process and integration into POPARD's culture and practices.

**Clinical and Technical Expertise**

- Provides clinical oversight and consultation on psycho-educational and functional behavioural assessments.
- Approves and mentors POPARD psychologists in conducting psychological and behavioural assessments to ensure adherence to professional and ethical standards.
- Conducts psychological, diagnostic, academic, and behavioural assessments for students with ASD as required.
- Ensures all clinical work aligns with Ministry of Education standards and guidelines for Category G (Autism Spectrum Disorder).

**Program Development and Service Delivery**

- Leads the design, development, and evaluation of POPARD's online and in-person training programs and learning modules.
- Provides leadership in developing evidence-based strategies and interventions for supporting students with ASD in inclusive K-12 settings.
- Supports multi-disciplinary school teams through consultation, capacity building, and training to promote student success and well-being.
- Ensures effective delivery of professional development workshops and courses for school district and independent school staff across BC.
- Participates in and leads collaborative provincial initiatives with key stakeholders to strengthen inclusive education and ASD support services.

**Strategic and Organizational Management**

- Oversees budget planning and resource allocation to ensure the effective and efficient operation of POPARD's programs and services.
- Develops and implements operational plans, policies, and procedures aligned with Ministry of Education priorities and guidelines.
- Demonstrates strong planning and organizational skills to manage multiple projects, initiatives, and service requests across the province.
- Leads the updating, implementation, and communication of POPARD's manual, collaborating annually with HR, Finance, the Director of Inclusive Learning, both unions, and the Ministry.
- Responsible for the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and evaluation of POPARD staff, consultants, and team members.
- Meets regularly with the Director of Inclusive Learning to review progress, provide updates, and ensure alignment with broader district and provincial goals.

**Communication and Relationship Management**

- Builds and maintains strong relationships with school districts, independent schools, professional associations, and Ministry partners.
- Demonstrates a team-oriented approach with the Delta School District, fostering collaboration, open communication, and transparency across HR, Finance, a