Education Specialist (51895)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Education Specialist will support young adult individuals ages 18 to 25 and families with children headed by young adults ages 18 to 25 years old. They will have overall responsibility of completing life skills assessments for tenants and building a curriculum to bridge identified gaps in skills as well as connect individuals and families to appropriate and desired education programming. The Education Specialist will:

• Perform Life Skill and Needs Assessments for all new tenants to evaluate basic needs for all households; reassess periodically
• Maintain a strong supportive relationship with tenants through consistent communication via phone, text, e-mail, and in-person meetings
• Participate in individual supervision, team meetings, and case conferences to ensure a holistic approach to service delivery across program departments
• Enhance job readiness through coaching and guidance for career exploration, facilitate career exploration and job readiness group workshops and presentations
• Connect tenants to educational opportunities through community-based partnerships and internal RiseBoro programming, as detailed in their goal plans
• Plan and coordinate transportation for tenants to job and college fairs; assist tenants in completing college applications and other forms required for higher education
• Aid tenants with FAFSA and other financial applications for education and vocational opportunities
• Plan and implement weekly, monthly, and annual activities calendars with a focus on education for adults and children, afterschool and summer program activities
• Manage and supervise on-site activities for educational programming and track attendance
• Develop and monitor linkages with external providers of educational, employment, and vocational programming
• Complete and track referrals to educational, financial, and career advancement opportunities offered by partners
• Prepare and maintain up to date records and tenant files, outcomes, including tenants' personal and eligibility information, records of services provided, and all relevant correspondence
• Work with Tenant Services Director to develop and implement independent living skills curriculum for tenants ready to move to less or non-programmatic housing; assess skill levels after partaking in the curriculum
• Plan graduation events for tenants moving onto less programmatic housing
• Lead groups and workshops for families based on tenant need and interest
• Other duties as requested by supervisor to fulfill job responsibilities

COMPETENCIES

• Dynamic, able to multi-task, problem solve, and work independently

• Team player and willing to work with a diverse population

• Trained in child development, mandated reporting, and family dynamics

• Trained in harm reduction and housing first services approaches

• Experience with evidence-based practices and/or evidence-informed services including, but not limited to:

• Positive Youth Development

• Recovery-Oriented and Trauma-Informed Case Management

• Critical Time Intervention

• Ability to problem solve and work independently

• Must be able to travel and work evening and weekend hours

• Commitment to RiseBoro's mission of unleashing the potential of communities to thrive, no matter the odds

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, or related human services field required.
• At least 1 year of relevant social service experience, particularly in educational field with young adults