General Description:
The Trauma Responsive Specialist supports the implementation of RPS’s division-level strategy to ensure trauma responsive and restorative practices are a core part of the “RPS Way'' and significantly contribute to students’ academic and social and emotional growth. The Specialist engages with school-based staff to train, support, and empower them to lead this work as well as engages with community stakeholders to maintain and enhance relevant partnerships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Builds the capacity of RPS staff and stakeholders in:
  • understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), toxic stress, and how to build and promote student resilience
  • restorative practices and other alternatives to exclusionary practices
  • understanding wellness and self-care and how to support their own mental health
  • understanding and implementing RPS’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
• Supports the implementation of trauma-responsive, culturally-affirming Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices and strategies across all tiers of intervention
• Provides professional learning regarding trauma responsive practices, restorative practices, wellness and mental health to RPS staff
• Provides coaching and modeling of trauma responsive strategies to RPS staff
• Assists with monitoring successful implementation of trauma responsive strategies throughout the division
• Identifies and eliminates barriers to implementation across RPS schools and offices and effectively problem solves solutions
• Collaborates with members of other departments of RPS to ensure trauma responsive strategies are seamlessly integrated into the work
• Works with community partners and RPS to identify additional support and resources to advance the trauma responsive work in the division
• Reviews policies and protocols of the school division to ensure that they are trauma responsive
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required; field of education or related area preferred
• At least three years of experience, preferably in an educational setting, with a strong understanding of trauma responsive, restorative practices and a multi-tiered system of support
• Experience leading professional development with adults
• Experience in community outreach and willingness to be a part of the community and develop relationships that promote RPS
• Possesses strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Outstanding interpersonal and team work skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently
• Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; adaptable when managing multiple, shifting priorities; comfortable with ambiguity
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas simply and succinctly
• Strong computer skills (including Google Suite) and knowledge of databases and relevant software programs
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish preferred

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume, transcript and license if applicable. Three references names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.