Middle School Education Specialist

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The Middle School Educational Specialist is responsible for ensuring and monitoring the educational needs and placement of children in foster care placed in 6th grade, or age eleven and above. The Specialist is to provide educational advocacy and ensure students are receiving the supports / services they need to succeed and progress academically.

Reports To : Special Services Supervisor, Family Foster Care

Location : 7 West Burnside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10453

Hours : 35 Hours / Week; Exempt

Salary : $50,000 to $55,000

Major Duties :

• Work from a strength-based, trauma-informed, youth development lens while maintaining healthy boundaries
• Conduct school visits
• Relate to young people, engage them in conversation, and provide support and encouragement
• Negotiate with DOE staff to ensure the implementation of recommended and appropriate educational services
• Ensure school stability if a student is relocating homes
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., ACS Office of Education Support and Policy Planning, schools, DOE staff, community partners)
• Participate in internal clinical and planning meetings (e.g., FTCs, Education Roundtables, Therapeutic Treatment meetings, Red Flag meetings)
• Represent GSS at community meetings such as the ACS Education Forum, trainings, and other education-related groups
• Monitor students' academic performance through school visits
• Navigate educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently
• Organize time and prioritize responsibilities effectively
• Collaborate with Case Planners, foster and birth parents, tutors, and other supports within the school
• Assist with high school selection process for 8th graders and their families
• Connect students to extracurricular activities
• Review new intakes, school reports, and evaluations to address educational issues
• Assist with educational placement of children in care and transitioning out
• Resolve issues related to school placement, suspensions, hearings, and special services
• Monitor referrals and evaluations for special education, attend IEP meetings, and ensure appropriate services
• Document all services in case records
• Participate in ACS meetings to stay updated on regulations and disseminate information
• Provide in-service training to staff and parents on the educational system and advocacy
• Work with external organizations for legal or advocacy needs
• Engage parents and foster parents regarding educational needs
• Document activities in Connections and Care4
• Generate educational statistics and outcomes
• Use Sanctuary Model tools to foster a trauma-sensitive culture
• Promote Sanctuary Model commitments
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications :

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