Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Services (ADSS) is pivotal to advancing Lab’s mission of honoring diversity, ensuring that every student, regardless of how they learn, feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. They bring Lab’s Theory of Action to life by connecting research to the classroom, ensuring that Curriculum and Instruction, Diversity and Inclusion, and SEL are woven together to support the academic, social, and emotional development of every student.

In collaboration with school leadership and the Learning and Counseling Department (L&C), the ADSS helps develop and sustain systems that support student achievement. This includes leading the school’s neurodiversity initiatives, overseeing the formal accommodations process, and leveraging student data to evaluate and enhance support services. As a primary resource for faculty and a supportive partner for families, the ADSS helps foster a collaborative community where every student has the tools they need to thrive.

The Assistant Director of Student Services reports to the Director of Student Services.

Responsibilities

• Lead school-wide neurodiversity initiatives by translating current research into best practices and facilitating professional development on inclusive instructional strategies. 

• Lead the strategic implementation of a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to ensure equitable access and growth for all students across N-12th grade. 

• Oversee all stages of the formal accommodations process, including the interpretation of neuropsychological evaluations,  drafting of support plans, and coordination of annual reviews.

• Establish and maintain systems for analyzing student support data, utilizing progress indicators to assess the effectiveness of interventions.

• Participate in divisional staffing and goal-setting meetings to ensure aligned support across  N-12th grade.

• Partner with L&C and divisional administration to facilitate student transitions between divisions, ensuring accommodations and support services continue without interruption.

• Act as an administrative resource for families in resolving complex questions regarding the scope and implementation of accommodations.

• Act as the primary point of contact for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) regarding IEP/504 applications, and the coordination of  proportionate-share services.

• May conduct educational assessments during summer months for students referred by L&C who meet specific criteria.

• Provide guidance and support to the Accommodations Coordinator. 

• Collaborates across divisions to ensure consistent implementation of process and policy related to student discipline, instructional support, academic programming and co-curricular activities.

• Build deep relationships with students, families, faculty and staff to foster a culture of community. Emanate optimism, solve problems collaboratively, reflect on how actions impact others, create an engaging and inclusive school culture, and share in the united pursuit of Lab’s mission.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, School Psychology, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

Certifications:

• Learning and Behavior Specialist or School Psychologist certification.

Experience:

• Experience in a school leadership or administrative role, providing direct support to student services or special education programs.

• Experience with creating and facilitating professional development workshops to foster a culture of continuous instructional growth and collaborative practice.

• Experience as a school psychologist in a Nursery - ­12th grade school setting.

• Teaching experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Understanding of neurodiversity and learning processes, with experience in applying research-based instructional interventions and neurodevelopmental frameworks to enhance student learning outcomes across diverse populations.

• Ability to read and interpret neuropsychological and educational evaluations and translate them into clear, actionable individual support plans.

• Proven ability to leverage student performance data to refine instructional support strategies and ensure evidence-based decision-making in N-12 learning environments.

• Ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and be flexible in work with students.

• Ability to interact with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and parents.

• Knowledge of diversity and inclusion issues, and dynamics in the classroom and in developing healthy, supportive relationships with all students.

• Strong knowledge of course subject matter.

• Knowledge of instructional methodologies.

• Strong knowledge of child development.

• Ability to develop curricula, lesson plans, and assessment tools.

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Decision-making skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Computational skills.

• Creativity.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• Ability to manage stressful situations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to use standard productivity software (Microsoft Office, calendar/schedule software, etc.).

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• Professional References (3) (required)

About The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools provide one of the world's most outstanding pre-collegiate educational experiences. Because Lab is part of the University of Chicago, the importance of intellectual life—of thought and exploration—infuses all aspects of our curriculum, and students in every grade benefit from outstanding UChicago academicians and access to unmatched resources. John Dewey—one of the great minds in education—established the Schools in 1896 as a place to explore and implement his theories on childhood education. Today’s students still benefit from his vision, and today’s Lab faculty are recognized as experienced leaders in their field. Families who choose Lab care deeply about curiosity, inquiry, and creativity. Approximately 60 percent of Lab families are affiliated with the University, half live in Hyde Park, and the rest come from across Chicago, the suburbs, and northern Indiana. Lab’s student body reflects the diversity that is deeply valued by the Schools and its community; approximately half of our 2,000 students are people of color and families report speaking nearly 40 different languages in their homes. The Laboratory Schools seek the fine...st employees—people who wish to inspire a love of learning in our students and join a vibrant learning community. We employ people with a wide range of skills and training, in many different disciplines. At Lab, we value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. We seek employees who share a similar commitment to these values. Lab people are engaged and excited by our mission of igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community. The Laboratory Schools is a great place to work and our connection to the University provides our faculty and staff with opportunities that would be nearly impossible to match in any other environment. Interested candidates should apply via our website at: http://www.ucls.uchicago.edu/about-lab/employment AA/EOE Statement: The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-1841 or by email talentacquisition@uchicago.edu with their request.

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