Education Specialist; EFFC

Position: Education Specialist (EFFC)
The Education Specialist is responsible for meeting the educational needs of youth ages 0 to 5 years old. Additionally, he/she is responsible for monitoring the developmental needs of youth in the early childhood stages, including but not limited to, making referrals as deemed necessary to Early Intervention and/or Committee on Pre-School Education (CPSE). Build and maintain healthy rapport with parent/guardians of youth.

Develop and maintain professional relationships with NYC Department of Education, Committee on Pre-School Education liaisons, and Early Intervention liaison, NYC Administration for Children Services, and other school related partnerships.

Title:

Education Specialist

Reports To:

Special Services Supervisor, Family Foster Care

Location:

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

Hours:

35 Hours/Week;
Non-Exempt

Major Duties:

* Review new intakes and psychological screenings/evaluations for the assigned age group to ensure that developmental and/or educational concerns are addressed.

* Assist parents/guardians and case planning team with initiating early intervention and/or CPSE evaluation processes.

* Submit and monitor the progress of all referrals and evaluations for special education services and/or early intervention services for youth.

* Provide continuous support and trainings to foster parents, parents, and case planning team as it relates to education and/or early intervention services for youth in foster care.

* Serve as the agency liaison for school staff, early intervention, and guardians.

* Attend and represent special services team at mandatory agency and ACS trainings, NYC DOE trainings to remain up to date on policies and procedures.

* Maintain professional boundaries with youth, foster parents, parents, and staff.

* Keep case records and education data information up to date and filed in the appropriate section of the case record.

* Commit to working from a strength based prospective.

* Document progress notes in Connections.

* Outreach and maintain ongoing communication with foster parents and parents to ensure that they are aware of the youths educational and/or developmental needs and are communicating with school and/or early intervention personnel.

* Attend and participate in IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plans), CPSE, and Turning 5 meetings.

* Ensures that all documentation of services is obtained and filed in the appropriate education section of the case record.

* Works with Advocates for Children and other outside organizations if legal or other advocacy is needed to ensure the childs eligibility and access to early intervention and CPSE services.

* Works with parents and foster parents to ensure that they are aware of the childs educational needs and are engaged with the early intervention service coordinators and/or CPSE administrators.

* Generates statistics and outcome information on education issues as required.

* Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar) and self-care, when applicable, in the department/program to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.

* Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

* Bachelors degree required with at least 1year experience special education and early intervention

* Solid knowledge of the NYC public school system including education resources, childrens rights and DOE regulations/procedures.

* Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

* Experience with special education and early intervention

* Ability to be flexible to meet the demands of youth in care

* Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team

* Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word and Excel

* Excellent written, communication. And organizational skills

* Must have a commitment to work from a strength based and/or youth & family development perspective.

Good Shepherd Services is a leading youth development, education and family service agency with more than 85 programs that…