We currently have an opening for Educational Specialist in our Teen Focus Program.
For a printable copy of this job description click: TF Educational Specialist
Title: Educational Specialist
Department: Program Youth Transition Service Department / Teen Focus Program
Reports To: Youth Transition Services Department Manager
Exempt / Non-Exempt Status: Exempt
Full-Time / Part-Time Status: Full-time
Salaried / Hourly: Salaried – $40,000-$44,000
Education & Experience:
• Must possess bachelor’s degree in Education or related field.
• Knowledge of adolescent/teen development, educational system(s), secondary school and vocational school systems, child welfare system
• Experience in direct service and policy development strongly encouraged
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Skills & Values Required Must possess and demonstrate:
All-agency:
• Alignment and commitment to values, mission, model, and vision of the agency
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within the agency and across systems
• Advocacy for excellence in child welfare and adult medical and behavioral health and well-being
• Competence and confidence in building transparent, positive partnerships that will further the agency’s mission
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Data-informed decision-making
Position-specific:
• Experience in service provision of trauma-informed care, permanency practice, and educational needs of child welfare population
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with best practices and state and federal laws related to foster care, youth permanency, homelessness and housing, mental health, education and health for at-risk populations.
• Ability to assess, deliver, and evaluate direct service programming
Other Requirements :
• Must pass Background Criminal Investigation (BCI) check
• Must pass Child Protection Services (CPS) background checks for RI as well as any additional states, per Adam Walsh Act of 2006.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19
• Access to reliable transportation
• Specific to staff-owned vehicles, staff must demonstrate:
-Possession of valid driver’s license
-Maintenance of clean driving record
-Possession of valid and continuous auto insurance coverage that
meets the state’s minimum requirements
-Valid vehicle inspection sticker
• Hold an active license with the RI Department of health (RIDOH) for applicable positions
• Additional requirements, as outlined by service contracts, if applicable
Physical Requirements:
• Prolonged periods of (1) sitting at a desk/meeting table and (2) working on a computer.
• Ability to self-transport to client and agency-related meetings and work within the RI community
• U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) of strength level category: Sedentary to Light work
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable staff to perform the essential duties.
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Assessment and coordination of education and enrichment services for teens in foster care
• Provision of intensive support to youth and youth’s natural supports regarding school meetings, IEPs, 504 Plans, specialized tutoring, and on-going educational planning, assessments, and advocacy for additional services needed.
• Tracking of youth’s educational progress and coordinated communication with teachers and school administrators related to progress and needs”
• Provide psychoeducation and support to youth to assist with goal development specific to graduation, post-secondary education, vocational training, and job attainment. Facilitation of referrals to additional programming, as needed.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with educational, vocational, and other community stakeholders
• Organize and implement educational and vocational trainings, workshops, and events for youth, including members of the youth’s natural support system, when applicable
• Provide individual and group services for life skill development and community service involvement
• Communicate and coordinate with all members of the youth’s treatment team• Attend and participate in-service trainings, team meetings, professional development, and group and individual supervision, as applicable
• Complete all necessary documentation, including all client records, narrative reports of assessments, progress reports, treatment plans, quarterly report submissions, and discharge summaries, in compliance with HIPAA standards.
• Actively participate and contribute to program and agency data collection and analysis for purposes of identifying trends, program development, and communication with the community
• Other duties as assigned
ARI consistently has the most well-attended Information Sessions in the state- families coming to learn more about the foster care and adoptive system.