Title Specialist - Foster Care

Title 1 Program Specialist (Foster Care Focus)

The position serves as the district liaison among schools, the Department of Social Services (DSS), foster families and caregivers, caseworkers, psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTFs), students, and community partners to promote educational stability, continuity, and access to appropriate academic and support services for students in foster care. The Specialist coordinates and documents the Best Interest Determination (BID) process and supports students entering, attending, and transporting PRTF placements so enrollment, instruction, credits, records, transportation, and reentry supports are addressed without unnecessary delay.

In addition to foster care responsibilities, the position supports Title 1 schools with federally funded program implementation, compliance, monitoring, data analysis, and strategies that address barriers to academic success and engagement.

Serves as the district's primary point of contact for educational matters involving students in foster care and coordinate communication among schools, DSS, caregivers, caseworkers, PRTFs, and other agencies. Lead and document the Best Interest Determination (BID) process in collaboration with required partners, ensuring that decisions regarding school of origin or enrollment are student-centered, timely, and consistent with applicable requirements. Coordinate educational continuity for students entering, attending, or transitioning from a PRTF, including immediate enrollment, transfer of records, access to coursework and credits, attendance, transportation, special education or Section 504 supports, discharge planning, and school reentry.

Assist schools in identifying and removing barriers that affect attendance, academic achievement, school participation, education stability, or successful transitions for students in foster care. Develop and maintain systems for tracking students in foster care, BID decisions, PRTF placements and transitions, required services, timelines, and follow-up actions. Provide technical assistance and professional learning to administrators, counselors, social workers, registrars, and other staff regarding foster care requirements, the BID process, PRTF-related educational transitions, and effective student supports.

Provide technical assistance to Title I schools regarding program implementation, compliance, documentation, and the appropriate use of federal funds.

Accurately maintain records as required by state or federal laws, and Union County Board of Education policies, and/or school-based requests, and adhere to confidentiality requirements of state and federal law. Collaborate with Title I Specialists to manage and maintain accurate student records. Visit classrooms alongside the Title I Specialists to assess needs and provide instructional support. Maintain and regularly update the Federal Programs section of the district website.

Monitor district and school compliance with applicable federal and state foster care requirements. Support schools in aligning Title I resources and activities with identified student needs and school improvement priorities. Coordinate with PRTF education staff, DSS, caregivers, school personnel, Exceptional Children and Section 504 staff, and other providers before placement, during treatment, and at discharge to support continuity of instruction, services, course placement, credits, and reentry planning.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Desirable

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Previous experience with Title I Counseling, Social Work, Human program administration an Foster Services, or a related field care.

Be eligible for licensure by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Experience working in a school educational program, child welfare, social services, or related setting.

• Experience in record keeping, data management, and technology usage.
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of school improvement planning processes and federal education program regulations.
• Proficiency with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing.
• Ability to independently manage projects and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and correspondence.
• Capacity to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in problem-solving situations.
• Familiarity with planning…