Student Hearing Officer

NOLA Public Schools Vision

The vision of the NOLA Public Schools is that every student receives a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive, achieve physical and mental wellness, and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success. 

Position Summary

The Student Hearing Officer is responsible for conducting expulsion hearings and student disciplinary conferences along with other training and outreach activities for the Student Hearing Office. 

The Student Hearing Officer reports to the Executive Director of Student Discipline and Behavior Support. The position is based at the Student Hearing Office but will require the Student Hearing Officer to conduct trainings and participate in outreach activities in the community, the Family Resource Centers, and the Orleans Parish School Board central office, and at school sites.

• Conduct expulsion hearings and disciplinary conferences through a unified Student Hearing Office for all students enrolled in Orleans Parish public schools;
• Effectively mediate between families and school representatives to making a finding of guilt and determine appropriate resolutions and next steps; 
• Determine appropriate alternative school placements for students once expelled and contribute to the tracking of the student to ensure enrollment at alternative school site; 
• Determine if schools are abiding by required federal and state law and district policy regarding discipline and due process. Follow and participate in accountability protocol as required; 
• Advise families, schools, charter organizations, and advocacy partners on the best practices and centralized policy regarding discipline in compliance with federal and state law;
• Assess students and families for referrals to outside agencies or internally provided services and assist with the completion and initial contact;
• Screen and assess students entering the Orleans Parish public school system from private school and out of parish school expulsions;
• Conduct transition sessions for students eligible for mid-year transfers upon the completion of expulsion terms;
• Assist in the collection and maintenance of discipline related data, as necessary;
• Conduct city-wide training for school leaders and staff members off-site at school campuses and/or community centers.
• Conduct internal training for staff regarding Student Hearing Office policy, practice, and related data; 
• Participate in community outreach and efforts to build and enhance community support for school discipline programs and projects, such as, roundtable discussions, panels, attending coalition meetings, school board meetings and town halls as appropriate; 
• Build new and strengthen preexisting relationships with advocacy organizations; 
• Participate in the drafting of district policy regarding discipline and the Student Hearing Office Manual for Disciplinary Procedures; 
• Participate in and find creative approaches to working with students in restorative circles, leading peer mediation and workshops alongside community partners on school sites as required;
• Ability to implement and create trauma-informed strategies to work with families;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Masters preferred in school administration, social work, counseling, education, law or another related field.  
• At least five (7) years relevant work experience as a principal, assistant principal, dean of students, or other similar position. 

• Working knowledge in restorative approaches and ability to utilize restorative approaches and peer mediation; 
• Exceptional understanding of charter schools, the educational landscape in New Orleans and applicable discipline policy;
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and experience facilitating groups; 
• Exceptional understanding of all applicable laws and regulations governing student discipline;
• Trauma-informed mediation strategies / skills and critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Comfort navigating and diffusing emotionally overwhelming situations;
• General knowledge of SPED policies and related state and federal law related to discipline as required;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Exceptional time management and scheduling skills;
• Ability to work independently with a strong sense of focus;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to work efficiently and manage multiple priorities;
• Flexibility and comfort working in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Salaries are determined by educational background and/or relevant years of experience.

Work Environment

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.   

- Required to use motor coordination with finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.) part of the workday; 

- Required to exert physical effort in handling objects more than 30 pounds rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical occupational risks (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals) rarely; 

- Required to be exposed to physical environment which involves dirt, odors, noise, weather extremes or similar elements rarely; 

- Normal setting for this job is an office/school setting.     

Performance Evaluation

The employee will be evaluated based on the above position using either two methods: via COMPASS or a NOLA-PS evaluating instrument. If the employee holds an Educational Leadership certification, he/she will be evaluated via COMPASS to ensure renewal of certification.

EEOC Statement

NOLA Public Schools is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, lawful alien status, national origin, age, marital status, and non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.