Foster Care Education Coordinator

Position Summary :

Provides resources and information to advance the education of students who are impacted by foster care in the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

This position will serve as the point of contact for local child welfare agencies in compliance with Title I and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

This position serves as an advocate for foster care students in OKCPS. Essential Duties :

• Serve as the school division designated contact to promote educational stability for students in foster care, including supporting best practices for local policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with various school personnel and departments to ensure the required supports and best-practice strategies for serving students in foster care are implemented within school system
• Participates in regular collaboration meetings with Oklahoma Child Welfare and Tribal Welfare agencies.
• Develops and leads process for best interest determinations and participates in best interest determination meetings for foster children
• Facilitates the transfer of records for students within the District, including IEP’s
• Identifies and develop database of students continually updating information and contacts on foster student and their status
• Facilitates data sharing with the child welfare agencies, consistent with FERPA and other privacy protocols;
• Coordinates and implements a plan for transportation for foster student to get to and from school and manages any transportation costs disputes
• Ensures that children in foster care are immediately enrolled in school to prevent and discontinuity in education
• Monitors attendance and performance of students in foster care
• Provides professional development and training to school staff on the Title I provisions and educational needs of children in foster care
• Ensures district compliance with all local, state and federal guidelines, rules and regulations applicable to students in foster care
• Develop and deliver programming and services for students and their families to ensure academic success for students in Foster Care
• Serve as a resource to school administration and staff, parents, foster parents, and other providers to ensure educational stability policies and procedures are followed and documented at all times.
• Ensure staff is trained about the benefits of educational stability and the immediate enrollment process used for youth in foster care.
• Promotes the overall effectiveness of the organization by performing tasks and sharing responsibilities of other members of the Department during peak periods or when there is an overload of duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and / or Abilities) :

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling or Social Services required
• Three (3) or more years’ experience in providing services to school aged children and / or families
• Three (3) or more years’ experience working with the education system and the foster care system, and how to access school-based resources for youth in foster care
• Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the needs of a child / children in foster care
• Ability to conduct staff development and community education regarding children in foster care.
• Ability to work unusual hours, including some evenings
• Experience in coordinating services , database management, and completing reports in a timely manner
• Must have reliable transportation, valid vehicle insurance, and good driving record

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and / or Abilities) :

Bilingual (Spanish) both verbal and written

Physical / Mental Requirements :

• Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer.
• Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes. stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.

Work Environment :

Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate controlled environment.

Reports To : Director of Family Engagement FSLA Status : Exempt Compensation : 807 Work Days : 242 FTE : 100