Department: Senate Page School

Reports to:    Principal

NATURE OF WORK

The Senate Page School Student Services Coordinator supports students appointed to the Senate Page Program who are enrolled in the Senate Page School. Work includes enriching students’ appointments by developing and leading trips, programs, and activities; supporting students academically by providing individual, small group, and whole class guidance; supporting students personally in their development of healthy lifestyle habits and skills related to working with others across difference; supporting students as they transition between the Senate Page School and their sending school; and supporting the school by completing administrative and/or clerical tasks associated with day-to-day operations. Work is bound by the Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; the Senate Ethics Manual; Senate Page School procedures, practices, and guidelines; and federal and District of Columbia laws, regulations, and ordinances, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Student Services Coordinator enriches student’s appointments by:

• Planning, coordinating, and leading student field trips to areas of historical and cultural significance.
• Identifying and leading students in volunteer opportunities and community/service learning
• Providing individual and small-group advising on the initial steps related to the college application process; organizing and leading visits to colleges and universities in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

Supports students academically by:

• Developing, implementing, and monitoring academic intervention plans for struggling students, consulting with instructors to gauge the efficacy of such plans, and making modifications as necessary.
• Providing short-term individual and small-group academic counseling to students; making referrals for outside therapy and/or mental-health related assessments; serving as the primary point of contact between the Senate Page School and outside consultants, and communicating all academically relevant information to instructors.
• Reading, interpreting, and assisting instructors with meeting accommodations included in student 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Identifying and referring students in need of special education evaluations, and serving as the primary liaison between the Senate Page School and professionals tasked with diagnosing learning disabilities.

Supports students personally by:

• Collaborating with instructors and/or leading programs focused on working with others across difference and engaging in civil discourse.
• Providing guidance to students on an individual or small-group basis related to time management, establishing healthy habits with regard to sleep and nutrition, and developing conflict resolution skills.
• Ensuring students maintain appropriate appearance and behavior for work in the Senate; assisting students in developing appropriate and professional behavior in the workplace, residence, school, and during extracurricular activities.

Supports students as they transition between the Senate Page School and their sending school by:

• Reviewing transcripts and other academic records from sending schools and assisting the Principal in developing the class schedule each academic semester.
• Communicating with teachers, counselors, and administrators at students’ sending schools; researching and resolving concerns regarding student skill level, course placement, performance, or conduct.
• Responding to inquiries from students, families, and sending schools concerning a student’s academic performance and Senate Page School policy.

Supports the Senate Page School by:

• Responding to inquiries from the Senate community and the general public, providing office and class coverage as needed, and completing administrative tasks to support daily operations.
• Creating, disseminating, and securing student records per state and federal guidelines.
• Contributing to the process of accreditation renewal through the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools.
• Maintaining current knowledge of the Senate Page School’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), and participating in periodic exercises and drills.
• As part of the Secretary’s customer service initiative (known as R.A.T.E.), providing all customers with the highest level of customer service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in school counseling, secondary education, or a related field, three to five years of relevant experience in a secondary school, and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of current national requirements and trends in secondary education.

Knowledge of requirements and best practices regarding student safeguarding, confidentiality of student records, and mandatory reporting.

Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.

Experience in supporting students with special needs, including the development and implementation of 504 and Individualized Education Programs, and assisting instructors with providing academic accommodations.

Ability to develop and lead programming for students focused on social-emotional intelligence and personal wellness.

Ability to work early morning hours and occasional weekends. Ability to use computers and relevant computer software.

Ability to deal with others using tact and diplomacy.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with families, faculty, and students. Ability to pass background investigation for working with minors.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

 Current CPR and AED certification or ability to obtain such certifications.

Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in school counseling, secondary education, or a related field, three to five years of relevant experience in a secondary school

About Secretary of the Senate

The role played by the youths who have served as Senate Pages is rich in the tradition of the U. S. Senate. The first Senate Page was appointed upon the recommendations of Senators Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. The education of the students has evolved from incidental instruction by friends to part-time assistance by public officials and from private school to public education. As a result of the Legislative Reorganization Act, the District of Columbia Public Schools assumed responsibility for the education of the Congressional Pages from January 1947 to July 1995. In July 1995 the Senate Page School became an independent school. Minimally, all students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and be juniors in high school in order to serve as U.S. Senate Pages. All students of the U.S. Senate Page School are required to take four classes typical of an 11th grade curriculum. Classes begin at 6:15 am and last until 9:45 am or one hour before the Senate convenes.

Connections working at Secretary of the Senate