Education Specialist

Lutheran-Social-Services-of-New-York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of New York is seeking an Education Specialist to advocate for students, monitor academic progress, and connect families with tutoring and extracurricular supports. The role emphasizes coordinating with case planners, foster and birth parents, and tutors to address educational needs.

The position requires a Master's in education (or equivalent) and at least two years of related experience, with travel across NYC boroughs.

Qualifications

• Master's in education preferred; Bachelor's in education or related field required.
• Two years of education-related experience in instructional, administrative, or advocacy roles.
• Willingness to travel to NYC boroughs; bilingual Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for students and coordinate with families on educational plans.
• Collaborate with Case Planner, foster/biological caregivers, and tutors.
• Coordinate school referrals for IEP evaluations and supports within schools.
• Negotiate with DOE staff to ensure educational services and counseling.
• Provide guidance to ensure schools are quality, best-fit options.
• Support students in accessing tutoring, after-school and mental health services.

Skills

Educational advocacy

Independent work

Time management

Team collaboration

Relationship building

Education

Master's in education

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION: Education SpecialistREPORTS TO: Children’s Services-Education\\Workforce Supervisor (FairFutures)COMPANY: Lutheran Social Services of New YorkCLASSIFICATION: Full-TimeEXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Exempt ANNUAL SALARY: $50,000- $55,000GENERAL DESCRIPTION:The Education Specialist provides educational advocacy, conducts academic proactive performancemonitoring, ensures students are receiving the support they need to succeed and makes referralsto quality tutoring and extracurricular activities. The Education Specialist also providesindividualized assistance with school selection processes to students and their families. TheSpecialist will ensure the applications of schools the student submits are quality, best fit. As part ofa team, the Educational Specialist coordinates with Case Planners, Socio-therapist, Foster Parents,and other Treatment Team members on the student’s academic progress and follows up on anyneeds or concerns.MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES:Approach work with a positive attitude, with an ethic of service and integrity rooted in thevalues, mission, vision, and philosophy of Lutheran Social Services of NY (LSSNY).Understand that the focus of all LSSNY’s work is for the betterment of those LSSNY serves.Comply willingly with all organizational policies and procedures and support all functionsthat attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies.Contribute to organizational excellence at the individual, team, department, divisional, andagency wide levels.Exhibit integrity, professionalism, and respect both in the workplace and in thecommunities we serve.SKILLS & ABILITIES:Ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and workindependently.Ability to organize time and prioritize responsibilities to plan and carry out allduties.Ability to effectively collaborate in team settings and build relationships withexternal partners.Duties:Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools; provide advocacy onbehalf of students.Work with Case Planner, foster parent, birth parent/caregiver and tutor to addresseducational concerns.Advocate for both long-term individualized interventions for students withcomplex or ongoing educational needs and targeted short-term support to ensurethat every student has access to a particular service or opportunity.Request that the school make referrals for IEP evaluations andbehavioral/academic support within the school.Negotiate with DOE staff to ensure the implementation of recommended andappropriate educational and counseling services.Secure representation for the students who have, or are at risk of, receiving asuspension.Ensure school stability if a student is relocating homes, in consultation with theCase Planner and parent.Provide individualized guidance to ensure that the schools the students areapplying to are quality, best-fit schools.Work with community resources including in-home quality tutoring programs,mental health services, afterschool programs and extracurricular services, toensure students receive assistance on a broad spectrum that fosters continuedsuccess educationally as well as emotionally.Participates in professional development, including those mandated by theprogram/funders/agency.Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal rules and regulations, including HIPPA.Other duties as required by direct supervisor or needs of the program/agencyQUALIFICATIONS:Master's in education preferred. Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field isrequired.At least two years of education-related experience in an instructional, administrative, oradvocacy-related position.Must be willing to travel to various NYC (New York City) boroughs.Experience working with students and families in foster care is strongly preferred.Bilingual Spanish preferred.Basic competency in Microsoft Office for Windows applications is required.