Anticipated Opening - Program Director, Journey Program at Valley Ridge Academy

Behavioral Health Associates; Lehighton (Carbon County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off: sick, personal, andvac

Birthday off

Medical plans: 2 options, dental, and/

Job summary

Behavioral Health Associates seeks a senior educational administrator to oversee the school program, ensuring high-quality special education and therapeutic services. You will screen referrals, support curriculum development, and supervise staff while promoting innovative teaching methods and technology use.

Management of compliance with IDEA/state regulations, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and strong communication with families and districts are essential in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an educational field is required.
• Master’s in Special Education or Human Service is preferred.
• PA certification in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in school settings with children/youth and families.
• Trauma-informed care and relationship-based practices experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication; professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the school program and all activities.
• Ensure delivery of quality special education, therapeutic, and related services.
• Screen referrals and provide placement options.
• Participate in staff interviews and tours; provide feedback and evaluations.
• Develop and evaluate curriculum under the Director of Curriculum.
• Promote innovative teaching methods and use of technology.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff; address concerns and conflicts.
• Represent program in administrative meetings; ensure safe learning environment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to foster inclusivity.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations; emergency planning updates.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries; liaison with parents and districts.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Educational field

Master's Degree in Special Education or Human Service

PA Certification in Educational or Human Services field

Microsoft Office 365 proficiency (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint)

Strong written and oral communication

Trauma-informed care and relationship-based practices

Ability to develop positive working relationships

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) is an educational organization. We offer an academic learning environment integrated with behavior support services for students diagnosed with emotional/behavioral disorders to empower the students in overcoming challenges and creating new stories in their lives.

Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on November 27, 2026.

JOB GOAL

Foster a vibrant and inclusive learning community where all students reach their full academic and social-emotional potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the daily operations of school program including all daily school activities.
• Ensure the provision of quality special education, therapeutic, and related services to students with exceptionalities.
• Screen student referrals and deliver placement options
• Participate in staff interviews, student/parent tours, etc.
• Observe classroom staff and provide informal feedback, as well as formal evaluations.
• Under the direction of Director of Curriculum,assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school's curriculum.
• Promote innovative teaching methods and the use of technology in education.
• Observe teachers and educational therapists in the classroom, provide feedback, and conduct formal evaluations.
• Plan and implement professional development opportunities for teachers and educational therapists.
• Mentor and support new teachers and educational therapists in their professional growth.
• Monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Address staff concerns and resolve conflicts.
• Represent program during administrative meetings.
• Promote a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
• Address student behavior issues and implement disciplinary procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team including classroom teachers, educational therapists, staff, and other directors to create the conditions fostering an inclusive, supportive environment.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, including special education and mental health laws.
• Ensure that the program’s special education programs are compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Pennsylvania state regulations.
• Ensure that the program is prepared for emergencies through regular fire drills, safety audits, and updates to the crisis response plan.
• Develop positive rapport with parents, families, and school districts.
• Other duties as assigned by Administration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors Degree in an Educational based related field, required.
• Masters Degree in Special Education or Human Service field, preferred.
• Valid PA Certification in an educational or human services field, preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience working with children/youth, families, and service agencies in a school setting, preferred.
• At least three years mental health knowledge and experience. Trauma-informed care and relationship-based practices, preferred.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff and leadership team, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Positively represent and promote BHA services to outside organizations.
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters, including the dissemination of information regarding program development, staffing, and billing.
• Work both independently and as a team.
• Communicate effectively utilizing both written and oral communication.
• Basic computer literacy with Microsoft/Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
• Effectively utilize technology for communication and reporting needs.

BENEFITS

• Full Time, Year-Round.
• Paid Leave for Sick, Personal, and Vacation Days.
• Day off for your Birthday!
• Time Off for Holidays.
• Choice of Two Medical Plans, Dental, Vision and Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Company Paid: Group Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plan with Company Match up to 3% of your Annual Salary.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

BHA is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. BHA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or other legally protected status.