Education Liaison, Idaho Field Office

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation's largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America. Founded in 1966, Casey Family Programs works in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, two territories, and tribal nations to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live. Casey Family Programs values diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives to apply.

Child and Family Services (CFS) of Casey Family Programs provides direct services and tribal consultation in pursuit of Casey's mission to provide, improve, and - ultimately prevent the need for - foster care. CFS operates nine field offices in five states and an Indian Child Welfare Programs office that demonstrate direct service and ICW improvement models. We share our experiences and lessons learned with jurisdictions, tribes, providers, and communities in the spirit of mutual continuous learning. Our work is community and family centered, relationship-based, participatory, and culturally responsive. We recognize the dignity and strength of every individual, family, community and culture.

Job Summary:

Utilizing a collaborative, innovative, evidence-informed, trauma and healing approach to practice, we engage families and community partners in the urgent, relentless pursuit of legal and relational permanency and well-being for all children and families so that no youth ages out of foster care. Our clinical case management and support activities primarily occur within homes and in the community, with virtual options available, as necessary. A whole child approach to education integrates social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development both in and out of the classroom. The Education Liaison provides youth at risk of entering, currently in, or recently transitioned from foster care, as well as their caregivers, and public and private partners specialized knowledge and supports in the areas of education, career/vocational development and employment. The Education Liaison works with the Director to engage in system improvement efforts that enhance the educational resources of youth who might enter or are in foster care and those youth exiting the foster care system. The Education Liaison collaborates with other Field Office staff to ensure that the CFS workforce is focused on achieving organizational goals through their direct practice and consultation roles.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Teams with assigned social worker to create a historical education profile to include academic documentation for case records (grades, IEPs, 504 plan, etc.) and to coordinate high quality education services. Reviews youth intake information as part of an initial education assessment and makes education recommendations in the youth's preliminary service plan. Provides direct service to children, youth, and young adults receiving services from Casey Family Programs through strategic assessments, as well as the development and implementation of an individualized education/vocation plan when appropriate.
• Coaches youth and caregivers, including resource families, kin and birth parents, to navigate systems that influence or govern their education, including academic achievement and career development success. Provides technical assistance and training on education advocacy and system navigation for foster care staff, public child welfare staff (as requested by local jurisdiction), and families caring for youth in out of home care. Encourages paradigm shifts that improve educational outcomes, such as trauma-responsive classrooms and culturally inclusive learning experiences. When appropriate advocates for youth with schools and employers.
• Identifies local educational/vocational/career development programs and services and develops linkages between community programs and Casey Family Programs. Makes assessment of tutoring and other relevant services and, in partnership with assigned social worker, coordinates with vendors the securing of services and as appropriate provides initial review and approval of invoices and reports against allocated budgets.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community partners, including: schools, local colleges/universities, employers, federal and state/county vocational services, private businesses, and community agencies. Provides staff and community partner's information on educational and career development/vocational resources, as well as trauma-responsive and culturally inclusive curriculum and instructional strategies.
• Participates in local, state, and other system improvement forums to assist in the development and implementation of new programs and services based on emerging and proven best practice. Such Demonstration and Spread projects can include, but are not limited to incorporating the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME), Healing-Centered Engagement, or other culturally inclusive or whole child approaches to education in local school districts.
• Is available for consultation with education and career development/vocational counterparts throughout the organization. Stays updated on educational tools and best practices and works to implement them internally and, when appropriate, externally.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

All of these essential responsibilities necessitate the ability to work and communicate effectively across differences with diverse services, populations, staff and stakeholders to advance diversity, equity and inclusion; to work effectively in a team environment as well as work autonomously and exercise independent judgement as required; to demonstrate effective organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; to collaborate with management and staff to ensure alignment with organizational values, goals, and directives in all work performed.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Education or related field from an accredited institution, preferably with a Special Education Endorsement or certification, and five years of related experience is required. Teaching experience in public or private education is preferred. Knowledge of educational best practices in assessment, basic skills, technology, special education, and multi-cultural education is required.
• Experience working with and supporting the educational and career/vocational development of youth that are identified as having been drug exposed, survivors of emotional and/or physical trauma, or are developmentally delayed is highly desired. Knowledge of the Special Education Law and Accommodations under section 504 is essential.
• Demonstrated skills in collaboratively working with youth and providing consultation and advocacy on behalf of youth with schools, families, and community agencies is required.
• Strong organizational skills and effective written and verbal communication skills required.
• Experience working with state, county and other government agencies is preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, respect for tribal sovereignty, and respect for cultural, racial, and gender difference is required. Personal qualities demonstrating adaptability, curiosity, collaboration and a capacity for self-reflection and commitment to lifelong learning are a must. Ability to contribute effectively with and across teams and with external partners necessary.
• Ability to perform effectively in high pressure and stressful work environment. Ability to manage stress and self-care.
• This position is full-time requiring time in the field and the office, therefore full-time teleworking is not an option. Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift and reach for light objects; ability to type and work at a computer for extended periods of time as a primary job function.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information.
• Local travel as well as occasional out of town travel may be required. Driving on Casey business may require use of personal vehicle; adherence to vehicle safety guidelines and qualification for insurance is require.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The typical hiring range for this position in Boise, ID is $67,915 to $79,800. The full salary range for the role is $67,915 to $91,885. As a mission-driven organization, Casey strives to balance competitive pay with our mission. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate's job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.

Casey Family Programs offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage, accrual of 12 days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave,10 paid holidays per year, and each employee receives one personal holiday to use each calendar year. Employees that meet certain tenure qualifiers are eligible for up to eight weeks of parental leave for the birth or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. After the completion of 10 years of continuous, full-time regular employment, employees in good standing are permitted for a three-month sabbatical with pay. CFP also offers many opportunities for continued learning, training, and development.

This position will remain open until the needs are met and is subject to closure at any time without notice. It is to your advantage to file your application early as you will not be able to apply once the position has closed.