JOB TITLE: Education Specialist - Residential
DEPARTMENT: Education and Parent Support Services
LOCATION: Brooklyn/Queens/

REPORTS TO: Forward Journey Coach Supervisor
SUPERVISES: N/A

Purpose of the Position:

As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Education Specialist works with designated children & youth on a one-on-one basis to support and advocate for on their behalf to connect them to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals. Specialists provide ongoing social
and emotional support including connecting youth to peer support groups that foster positive relationships.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Education Specialist works with designated children & youth on a one-on-one basis to support and advocate for on their behalf to connect them to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals. Specialists provide ongoing social and
emotional support including connecting youth to peer support groups that foster positive relationships.

Key program components include:

• Community-based- Staff meet youth wherever is best for them (home, school, community).
• Systemic approach- incorporates multiple aspects of the child/youth’s natural ecology (community, peers, family, school).
• Comprehensive- addressing the full range of a child/youth’s needs and goals (academic, career, housing, relationships).

Education Specialists duties will include, but not be limited to:

• Register all new intakes and ensure they are placed in the most appropriate school setting and have the necessary educational tools to perform to the best of their ability.
• Build relationships with youth and provide ongoing social and emotional support.
• Maintain primary school, connect child to quality schools, programs, resources when a change in school is needed and ensure a seamless transition.
• Visit child/youth’s school as needed and build relationships with school staff, review transcripts and academic data, provide educational advocacy, and discuss progress.
• Ensure children/youth are attending school and have the supports and resources they need to be successful, such as tutoring, individualized educational plans, 504 Plans, or other special accommodations.
• Work 1:1 with youth to develop individualized academic and career development goals (including financial literacy) based on their interests and strengths and take measurable steps towards their goals.
• Connect youth to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals.
• Help youth succeed in these settings, navigate any challenges that arise, celebrate success, and plan/prepare for the next step on their journey.
• Collaborate with Case Planners, Tutors, Specialists, Foster Parent, and Parents, as needed, to help youth achieve their goals and ensure their overall well-being.
• Connect youth to Peer Group supports and build positive relationships.
• Transport youth to/from school when necessary
• Complete all necessary data entry systems (ex: progress notes and education tabs in connections, ASARA, etc)
• Complete PYA Tasks including PAT Tool (17-20)
• Complete Youth Voice Questionnaire for youth (14-up)
• Facilitate My Journey Groups for youth
• Facilitate PYA Monthly Workshops
• Attend and complete all Fair Futures trainings. Input child information into all required data platforms and systems.
• Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor.

Career Development:
• Assist youth working papers, if needed.
• Conduct career exploration activities with youth.
• Assist ALL youth to select at least one career development experience each year that is in line with their interests and academic situation/background.
• Work with the young person and Career Development Specialist to identify potential longer-term career pathways based on the young person’s interests, strengths, and academic/vocational plans.
• Connect youth to the Career Development Specialist, if needed, to explore workforce development programs, vocational programs, and for assistance with job applications.
• Connect youth, as needed, to agency-based job readiness and/or internship programs (e.g., YA WORC or the Mentored Internship Program).
• Provide persistence coaching to young people enrolled in any external program by checking in with them regularly.

Housing & Independent Living:
• Coordinate with housing specialist to ensure youth submit housing applications (by age 18 when appropriate)
• Accompany the youth to interviews and visit housing options, when needed.
• Assist youth with obtaining furniture, support through the move in process, and provide continued support with housing stability.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Degree: Bachelor’s Degree; Extensive Experience working with Youth
Other skills and requirements:

• Experience in Education and Foster Care (preferred)
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, a strong sense of empathy towards our populations served, and a passion for the field of child welfare.
• Ability to respond to the unique developmental needs of children in different stages of maturation including early childhood, school age, or young adulthood.
• Ability to work with parents and children that have histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse, different cultural backgrounds, and varying socioeconomics statuses.
• Ability to work competently, compassionately, and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or who may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Strong time management skills, diligence, resilience, and experience working in a unit or team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with CONNECTIONS preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License required and/or timeframe of when one will be obtained.
• Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services.
• Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.