COORDINATOR OF WELLBEING and RECOVERY

DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE

Reports To: Assistant Head of School for Internal Affairs

12-month Position

Position Overview

As Forman School approaches its centennial celebration and opens the doors to its new Cognition & Learning Building and Diagnostic Center, there has never been a better time to join a visionary team of leaders and educators, taking the science of learning and strengths of neurodiverse learners to the next level.

Forman School is developing a new approach to the traditional Deans’ Office structure, building a dynamic team incorporating Student Life and Counseling. This expansion will develop a network of intentional supports for students, including two innovative positions new to the school.  All will work closely with the Assistant Head of School for Internal Affairs to lead the development and implementation of best practices in life skills for independence and college readiness as well as the incorporation of executive functions. This leadership role will drive innovation and commitment to standards and quality of educational best practices within our expanded Deans, Counseling and Student Life team.

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced licensed therapist with a specialization in substance use disorders.  The ideal candidate will provide evidence-based therapy, support and guidance to individuals navigating treatment plans, facilitating individual and group therapy, and collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to promote overall well-being.

Forman’s Mission, Promise, and Core Values

Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences.  Forman develops the whole student, based on each individual’s learning profile, so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life.

Forman is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment that fosters a deeper understanding of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, geographical origin, physical ability, and family structure.

We believe society is bettered when we learn from and embrace those with different experiences and perspectives from our own.  Our community values truth, respect and kindness.

Key Responsibilities

• Student Discipline and Conduct – Setting and enforcing behavioral expectations, managing discipline cases, and proactively educating students on policies; Assist in the development of programs and initiatives to support students in meeting school expectations 
• Conduct Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluate students’ substance use history, strengths, and challenges to develop personalized treatment plans. Review toxicology screenings with administration 
• Provide Individual and Group Therapy: Utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support students in their recovery journey. Integrate a community reinforcement model into the therapeutic approach with groups. This includes nicotine cessation resources and supports 
• Develop & Implement Treatment Plans: Collaborate with students and families to set realistic goals and strategies for recovery, adjusting plans as needed based on progress
• Coordinate Care: Work closely with community resources to ensure comprehensive care. Consult with the expanded Deans team on referrals to higher level of intervention 
• Crisis Intervention: Provide immediate support during crisis situations, including risk assessment and safety planning
• Educate & Support Families: Offer guidance and psychoeducation to families and loved ones affected by substance use disorders
• Stay Current on Best Practices: Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and supervision to enhance clinical skills and knowledge of substance use treatment
• Student Support and Advocacy – Working with students who need behavioral or emotional support, collaborating with counselors, student life, and the academic team

• Leadership – Provide leadership, supporting colleagues in clear, disciplined, well-informed, and achievement-oriented school culture; Problem-solve with colleagues on challenging student behaviors to provide support and strategies to achieve collective goals

• Relationships – Develop strong relationships with students and families fostering a culture of shared responsibility for maintaining community standards and expectations for behavior around Forman’s Code of Conduct

• Communication – Liaison on clear effective and efficient communication with families, colleagues, and students on behavior policies and procedures, as well as outcomes and next steps for student behavior and misconduct

• Record Keeping – Develop and maintain accurate records of student behavior and consequences, ensuring all parties are notified in a timely manner of discipline incidents and resulting consequences and required support.  Lead follow-through and next steps in ensuring that consequences and support take place as expected and troubleshoot unexpected outcomes

• Systems – Development of systems and practices for strong collaborative oversight of the Dean’s Office practices and programs, demonstrating a strategic and positive-focused approach to student behavior and community culture

• Perform other duties as assigned

Educational and Experiential Background and Credentials

• Advanced Degree in psychology, social work, counseling or related field
• Valid state license – LPC, SCSW, LMFT or equivalent to practice therapy.  A license in Alcohol and Drug counseling and/ related expertise is preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience or more working with individuals with substance use disorders
• Proven track record of educational leadership and innovation
• Boarding school experience preferred
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent executive function skills, highly organized 
• Motivated collaborator, who works best as part of a team to achieve goals both in the short and long-term