Prevention Middle School Education Specialist

We are seeking a Prevention Middle School Education Specialist to join our HSVS's American Dream Program. Under the supervision of the Director of Youth Development. The Prevention Middle School Education Specialist will provide quality, data-driven, individualized educational support to students and families in the Prevention Program from 6th - 8th grade. The Specialist will work with the case planning team, students, families, and school staff to connect students with the services they need to raise their level of educational achievement and ensure that key transitions receive proper attention, particularly the high school selection process.

The Specialist will give particular focus to helping children achieve the best possible educational outcomes, including school stability, attendance, access to appropriate assessments and services, and academic progression. The Specialist will be responsible for monitoring data, using data to help inform interventions, and inputting data into HSVS' systems. He/she will be expected to create a calm, trauma-informed environment, and use a non-judgmental, strengths-based, and collaborative approach to working with the students and families.

The Specialist will be trained in and implement evidence-based models, including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care, and also receive training around the high school selection process.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Manage a caseload of all middle school students in the Prevention Program in 6th-8th grade.
• Work with the caseworkers, families, and school staff to address any educational concerns.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with the schools; provide advocacy on behalf of the child(ren)/youth.
• Provide individualized assistance to all 8th grade students and their families with the high school application and selection process each year to help ensure students enter quality, best-fit high schools.
• Create, facilitate and support with workshops for families and youth that address supporting their youth in their education.
• Review New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) monthly data, attendance, and transcripts to identify struggling students; work with youth, case workers, and parents to ensure improved attendance, and/or provide additional academic supports.
• Connect students who are below grade level to quality tutoring.
• Arrange referrals for IEP evaluations and behavioral/academic supports within the school.
• Negotiate with NYCPS staff to ensure the implementation of recommended and appropriate educational services.
• Connect middle school students to quality after school and summer activities.
• Arrange, assign, and monitor impact of tutoring by observing tutoring sessions, document all progress notes on the Fair Futures platform to ensure tutoring sessions are quality and taking place on a consistent basis.
• Review NYCSP and data, attendance, and transcripts to identify struggling students; work with youth, case workers, and parents to ensure improved attendance, and/or provide additional academic supports; document Middle School data, goals, and steps monthly on the Fair Futures platform.
• Participate and engage in weekly, monthly, and ongoing virtual and in-person agency-wide, Youth Development, and Education Team, ACS, Fair Futures, Advocates for Children, professional development, and NYCPS related meetings, training, events, programs, and workshops.

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree or equivalent preferred.
• Two plus years working with youth or with NYCPS in an instructional, administration, or advocacy-related position required
• Experience required with leading workshops and trainings.
• Flexibility with traveling throughout the five boroughs.
• Experience in college access and college success programs preferred.
• Experience working with students and families in foster care is strongly preferred.
• Ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently.
• Experience working with special education, education team meetings, and student advocacy preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Computer Skills - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and databases including Microsoft Access.
• Operating Skills - flexibility in working on assignments, stays on task and meets deadlines, strong analytical skills, creative and critical thinker, and ability to stay organized. Experience and confidence with working with data, and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Must have flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Benefits

At Heart Share we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee…