Category: STAFF

Elementary Program Director Job Description

Job Mission: The Firewall Program Director ensures that their assigned Firewall Center(s) operate effectively and that all student and program outcomes are being met.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to write curriculum, oversee implementation of the curriculum, and train staff to teach the curriculum.
• Develop a familiarization with the public school system and assigned schools and faculty to advocate effectively on behalf of Firewall, its students, and parents.
• Evaluate the individual needs of the students at each assigned Firewall Center so that all general attendance, academic and/or behavior concerns are addressed and all necessary interventions carried out.
• Ensure that assigned Center(s) are running effectively and efficiently – thus solving problems, mediating conflicts, and providing maximum accountability to everyone connected with the Center(s).

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred in Education or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience with elementary students, teaching, and writing curriculum.
• Ability to manage and modify student and staff behavior
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with students, staff, parents, teachers, and school administrators.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Self-starter with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Suite & Google Drive.
• Highly organized with good time-management skills.

List of Duties:

• Oversee Center operations and supervise staff, so that the Center is functioning efficiently.
• Attend all necessary Firewall and school-related events.
• Establish relationships with school administrators and teachers to ensure that students are being advocated for and that attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes are being met.
• Review student applications and orient new students and their parents, prior to enrollment, to communicate program requirements and expectations.
• Monitor student progress to improve student outcomes.
• Conduct specific on-site and quarterly training sessions, to equip center staff to carry out academic and behavior plans of action for students.
• Communicate with parents, teachers and school administrators as necessary to keep everyone informed and to address any special concerns.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences including 504 and IEP meetings as necessary.
• Observe and coach staff, developing their teaching and behavior management skills.
• Ensure all centers are running smoothly, staff are completing their tasks, and students are meeting the program requirements.

Interested applicants can email [email protected] with their resume and cover letter.

Our Annual Luncheon took place on Thursday, November 6^th at the Signature Grand. We have witnessed first-hand our student’s grades, relationships, and outlook on life improve during their time at Firewall. This event was an opportunity for our staff to Spread the Fire to others and get more positive people involved in the lives of these children.

Attendees interacted with both familiar and new faces before they heard exactly how much Firewall Centers is impacting the lives of its students. Guest speaker Betsy Roberts, a Western High School Social Worker, described the “family approach” of Firewall, as the staff unconditionally gives back to ensure each student receives the academic and social support they need to succeed in school and in life.

Vikki Colucci of Regent Bank also spoke on Firewall’s behalf. Vikki took part in our first Serve-A-Thon community service event in May alongside of our Firewall students. In her speech, she quoted Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Attendees got to taste this change that happens daily at Firewall when they heard from its graduates and current students. The audience was all smiles as three students from Pompano Beach Middle school shared their thankfulness for Firewall and even their dreams for the future.

Towards the end of the luncheon, attendees fell quiet as they watched the lives of two graduated Firewall students, Kenneth and Kathia, be completely transformed by this program. Kenneth’s mother said in the video, tears forming in her eyes, that “Firewall is a family. A family that got together to help him, but not only to help Kenneth, but all of their students. At Firewall, there is no distinction. Everyone gets treated the same … These people are angels in the path of each one of these kids. ”

Various members of the community also attended and supported Firewall’s Student-to-Leader Luncheon including Broward College, representatives from the United Way of Broward County, Regent Bank, PNC Bank, the Sun-Sentinel Children’s Fund, the Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation, our school partners, as well as a Broward County School Board member, Laurie Rich Levinson, and a group from Leadership Broward’s Class XXXIII.