Job Summary The Youth Specialist works with up to 30 students (ages 6 to 13 years old) providing educational advocacy, conducts academic performance monitoring, performance monitoring, and makes referrals to quality tutoring and extracurricular activities. The Youth Specialist also provides individualized assistance with middle school processes to all 5th grade students and their families. About Abbott House Abbott House is an innovative community-based organization that helps children, families, adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with complex needs build lasting foundations for a promising future. We operate programs in the New York Metropolitan area and Hudson Valley. Key Responsibilities + Youth Specialist will work with up to 30 students and their families providing educational advocacy and ensuring students are receiving the support/services they need to succeed. + Build relationships with up to 30 students. + Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools; provide advocacy on behalf of students. + Work with Family Therapist, Family Advocate, parent/caregiver and tutor to address educational concerns. + Request that the school make referrals for IEP evaluations and behavioral/academic support within the school. + Negotiate with respective Westchester County school districts staff to ensure the implementation of recommended and appropriate educational services. + Ensure school stability if a student is relocating homes, in consultation with the BSFT team and parent. + Monitor the academic performance of all students. + Collect, review, and track respective Westchester County school districts monthly data on attendance, grades, promotion status, school enrollment, tutoring history, transcripts, etc. + Use data to identify struggling students. + Work with BSFT team (therapist and advocate) and parents to ensure improved attendance, and/or provide additional academic support. + Provide individualized assistance to all 5th. grade students with the middle school selection process as well. + Refer all students to in-home, quality tutoring. + Connect students to afterschool and summer school extracurricular activities. Youth Specialist will coordinate with other stakeholders including: + Parents: It is the responsibility of the Specialist to outreach to parents for discussion about issues such as special education services, attendance concerns, behavioral issues in school, and school transfers. + Family Advocate/Family Therapist and BSFT team The Specialist should coordinate with Family Advocate on the student’s academic progress and follow up on any needs/concerns. The Specialist should provide a monthly report to the students’ BSFT Assistant Director and Family Advocate that includes progress notes and key academic data. BSFT team should be consulted about school transfers and any other significant educational advocacy activity. + The School: The Specialist will collaborate with the school to explore options for students to improve and benefit from services offered such as after-school tutoring, special education services, and other supports. The Specialist should also schedule school visits for students to meet with the student and counselor together. + External Providers: The Specialist will work with community resources including tutoring programs, mental health services, and afterschool programs. Collaborating with these stakeholders allows for students to receive assistance and services on a broad spectrum that can foster continued success educationally as well as emotionally. SHORT-TERM AND LONGER-TERM ADVOCACY: The Specialist offers both long-term individualized interventions for students with complex or ongoing educational needs and targeted short-term support to ensure that every student has access to a particular service or opportunity. SUSPENSION ADVOCACY: The Specialist should secure representation for the student who is receiving the suspension. ADVOCACY FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: + Response to Intervention: The Specialist advocates for students to receive the most appropriate services available. + Individual Education Program (IEP) Referral Process: The Specialist requests a referral from the school for students to receive a special education evaluation if it is believed that the student may benefit from additional services in school. + Effective Advocacy for IEP Meetings: Specialists assist in developing an IEP that focuses on the best interest of the student as well as ensuring that students receive the services, they need to be successful. About You You are the ideal candidate if you are enjoy working in the social services field while empowering underserved communities. Being compassionate, reliable, self-motivated, and a team player are critical attributes to be successful in this role. + You have at least a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of education related experience in an instructional, administrative, or advocacy related position. + You have experience working with students and families in foster care. + You have the ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently. + You have the ability to organize time and prioritize responsibilities to plan and perform duties. + You have the ability to effectively collaborate in team settings and build relationships with external partners. + You are tenacious, independent, and resourceful. + You are proactive. + You can follow detailed procedures. + You can be engaging, strength-based, and collaborative. + You have excellent interpersonal skills and easily build relationships with children, families, and school partners. + You have the ability to remain calm during moments of tension and stress.