Program Specialist of Integrated Student Supports and Dropout Prevention
Denver
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
The Program Specialist of Integrated Student Supports & Dropout Prevention is responsible for leading the full implementation of the Expelled and At-Risk Student Services (EARSS) Grant in its final year, ensuring fidelity, measurable outcomes, and alignment with district priorities. This role entails comprehensive systems leadership, with a focus on improving student engagement, reducing dropout risk, and increasing graduation outcomes. The Program Specialist oversees the integration of academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional supports through a whole child framework. Serving as both a district-level leader and a site-based implementation lead at S. O. A. R. Academy, this position ensures consistent, high-impact practices across the system while directly supporting the district\s highest-need student population. This role also leads the design and implementation of dropout prevention strategies and Project-Based Learning (PBL) to increase student engagement and relevance, particularly as S. O. A. R. transitions to a hexmester instructional model. EARSS GRANT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - The EARSS Grant supports approximately 260 secondary students in Sheridan School District who are at risk of academic failure due to chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, or prior suspension/expulsion. The grant provides targeted interventions and systems of support to improve engagement, persistence, and graduation outcomes, ensuring students are prepared for college and career success. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Systems Leadership & Implementation. Lead the full implementation of the EARSS Grant, ensuring alignment with grant goals, compliance requirements, and measurable outcomes. Design, implement, and monitor a comprehensive whole child system of support integrating:Attendance. Behavior. Academics. Social-emotional learning (SEL)Ensure fidelity of implementation across all program components, with a strong focus on impact and continuous improvement. Align EARSS initiatives with district strategic priorities and school improvement efforts Dropout Prevention & Student Engagement. Design and implement evidence-based dropout prevention strategies aligned with EARSS grant outcomes. Lead the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) to increase student engagement, relevance, and persistence toward graduation. Support instructional shifts aligned to the hexmester model, promoting flexible and student-centered learning environments Program Oversight & Grant Management. Oversee all aspects of grant compliance, including budgeting, allowable expenses, reporting, and timelines. Monitor application, reporting, and evaluation requirements to ensure full compliance with state and federal guidelines. Attend required grant meetings, trainings, and webinars; disseminate key updates to stakeholders. Coordinate grant implementation across multiple sites while maintaining a strong presence at S. O. A. R. Academy Leadership & Supervision. Hire, supervise, and support a team of Student Support Coordinators and related staff. Provide coaching and professional development on:Restorative Practices. MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support)PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)Trauma-informed practices. Attendance and engagement strategies. Serve as a Train-the-Trainer, building internal capacity across schools Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement. Collaborate with district and school leaders to ensure cohesive implementation of EARSS strategies. Design and facilitate stakeholder engagement in planning, implementation, and evaluation. Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders regarding grant goals, expectations, and progress SUPERVISORY DUTIES - Supervise Student Support Coordinators and Restorative Practices Coordinator. Lead hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and ongoing development of assigned staff POSITION REQUIREMENTS - Required. Bachelor\s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field. Minimum of 3-5 years of leadership experience in a school or district setting. Demonstrated success improving student outcomes, particularly with at-risk populations. Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to use independent judgment and strategic decision-making. Excellent written and verbal communication skills Preferred. Master\s degree in Educational Leadership, Social Work, or related field. Experience as a school or district administrator. Experience leading systems-level initiatives (MTSS, SEL, school redesign, etc.)Bilingual (Spanish/ English) GENERAL EXPECTATIONS - Prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail. Demonstrate strong organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism. Collaborate effectively across departments and teams. Adapt to changing priorities and demonstrate flexibility. Support and advance the Sheridan School District Strategic Plan. Maintain compliance with all district policies and procedures PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - The role requires occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds), as well as sitting, standing, walking, and fine motor skills. Work is performed in a generally safe and clean environment. CLEARANCE:Must clear background check through Colorado Department of Human Services in addition to an online Records check and FBI Fingerprint check through Colorado Bureau of Investigation. SALARY:Will be on Administrator pay scale range of $92,435 - $129,915, depending on experience and expertise. Please note: This is an at-will position with the Sheridan School District. The annual salary for this position will be determined by number of hours scheduled to work each day and number of days scheduled to work each year. The computed annual salary will be spread out in equal payments over 12 months. Sheridan School District employees are paid once a month on the last working day of the month that is not a weekend day or holiday.