Westmark School is a creative and supportive college preparatory school dedicated to educating, empowering, and celebrating students with distinct learning styles, providing the tools necessary to achieve successful and fulfilling futures.

Position Summary: The Dean of Students is a flexible and creative problem-solver who handles non-academic activities that involve students and faculty to foster a positive, kind, and caring school environment; a sense of order and discipline; and overall community well-being. The Dean of Students reports to the Head of School and works cooperatively with the Division Directors, School Psychologist and School Counselors, Director of Student Enrichment and Innovation, Curriculum Team, students, and parents to develop and maintain programs to promote positive behavior.

The Dean of Students is a full-time, exempt, 12-month staff position.

Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000, dependent upon education and experience

Responsibilities:

●       Works with the School Psychologist, School Counselors, and Division Directors to develop a healthy school community with an emphasis on wellness.

●       Advocates for students in creating a healthy student experience at school while supporting student development and learning.

●       Maintains a responsive discipline system based on restorative practices with clear expectations and consequences.

●       Meets with students regarding issues related to behavior; follows up with parents, teachers, and Advisors to determine appropriate consequences.

●       Collaborates with the Division Directors and colleagues to develop policies and procedures to promote positive student behavior.

●       Works closely with the School Psychologist and School Counselors to counsel students, as needed.

●       Drafts, updates, and distributes the Student Handbook on an annual basis.

●       Works with the Division Directors to respond to student discipline matters in a timely and proactive manner.

●       Communicates regularly with parents and guardians to build a strong partnership aligned with the school’s mission in helping students solve problems.

●       Assists with the Middle and Upper School Student Councils to develop community events, as needed.

●       Builds relationships with students over time to become a trusted adult to whom they can report their concerns.

●       Works in collaboration with faculty to observe, evaluate, and support students to meet their needs.

●       Tracks student absences and tardiness and follows up with students and their parents or guardians to determine appropriate consequences.

●       Observes student dress and communicates and tracks student dress code infractions with students, parents, and Division Directors.

●       Attends school events and takes an active part in the life of the school.

●       Keeps accurate up-to-date records and reports about student discipline.

●       Keeps abreast of trends in independent schools and continues professional development to remain current.

●       Performs additional duties, as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications:

●       Bachelor’s degree or higher and 5+ years of relevant experience in a school setting; or equivalent experience as a social worker.

●       Strong affinity for students who learn differently and for student advocacy.

●       High emotional intelligence.

●       Ability to interface and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, and staff, parents and guardians, and visitors.

●       Excellent administrative, verbal, and written communications with strong presentation skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit in on meetings and work on a computer for long periods of time; and is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

COVID-19: Westmark School follows Centers for Disease Control and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health protocols for K–12 schools. All faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus, including any booster shots.

To Apply:

Please forward by email (no phone calls, please) a letter of interest, your resume, and the names and contact information of five professional references to:

Attn: Claudia Koochek, Head of School

dean@westmarkschool.org

Westmark School | 5461 Louise Avenue | Encino, CA 91316

Westmark School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed  to hiring a diverse workforce.

All applicants will be considered for positions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, medical condition, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, sexual expression, sexual identity or any other legally-protected status based on applicable law.