Assistant Dean of Students

Educators for Quality Alternatives
EQA serves students who have dropped out, been expelled from, or have struggled academically or behaviorally in traditional settings and are looking for an accelerated path to graduation. There are three high‑school campuses: EQA:
Central City (opened 2011), EQA:
Gentilly (opened 2017), and The NET:
East (opened 2020 as a merger with ReNEW Accelerated High School). Students at the high schools earn a diploma and participate in internships, career counseling, and training in construction, medical, and digital media. EQA also serves middle‑school students through The Bridge Middle School, a therapeutic program for 7th‑ and 8th‑grade struggling students. In all settings our goal is that students leave school with the skills, confidence, and experience necessary to succeed in their chosen career and education path.

Over 50% of students at EQA struggle with behavior or mental health issues and many have been expelled from their prior schools. One of the school’s most important missions is to help students improve their behavior and conflict‑management skills. This is achieved by building transformational relationships, practicing restorative approaches, and consistently holding students lovingly accountable for growth. As an Assistant Dean you are not “punishing” or “fixing” students;

you leverage therapeutic and research‑based strategies to help young people develop.

• Build genuine and transformational relationships with every student
• Use, and support staff in using, restorative approaches including leading restorative conversations, developing student plans, and mediating conflicts
• Manage student check‑in and front office, including maintaining building safety
• Maintain a warm and welcoming front entrance to the school
• Manage student check‑outs
• Handle bus passes as well as student cell phones
• Screen building visitors
• Answer the front desk phone
• Support student attendance through calls, home visits, and other initiatives
• Teach and maintain student expectations regarding dress, electronics, etc.
• De‑escalate students in crisis
• Investigate and problem‑solve student issues and concerns
• Establish and maintain strong communication with students, teachers, and parents/family members
• Document and follow up on all incidents, issues, resolutions, or next steps with students
• Develop and implement culture‑building practices such as student orientation, handbook design, classroom circles, trips, and town halls
• Support the Dean of Students and leaders with other projects as appropriate

• BA or BS required
• Experience with and commitment to working restoratively with students who have emotional and behavior struggles
• Deeply respectful, calm, and de‑escalating approach to students in crisis
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, open to change, quick‑learning, self‑directed, and able to manage in a highly dynamic and fast‑paced environment
• Learning mindset dedicated to effective and innovative problem‑solving and constant improvement
• Comfortable with Excel, databases, and online communication
• Passion for improving educational opportunities for urban students and for being part of a strong, mission‑driven team
• Commitment to EQA’s mission, vision, and growth

• Start Date:
  
  ASAP
• Schedule:
  
  School is year‑round with a generous leave schedule.
• Location:
  
  12000 Hayne Blvd.
• Salary: $40,000‑$50,000 depending upon experience. Initial salary is set based on years of experience and degrees. Future salary increases and bonuses are based on performance and responsibilities.
• Benefits:
  Comprehensive benefits and generous 403(b) retirement plan.
• Reports to:
  
  Dean of Students

EQA encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. EQA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment‑eligibility verification form upon hire. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. EQA does not sponsor employment visas. In compliance with state law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in a Louisiana public school via the appropriate background checks.