Educational Support Specialist

Youth For Tomorrow New Life Center; Bristow (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

Life insurance

Retirement plan with up to 5% match

Nine paid holidays

Paid time off accruals

Job summary

Youth For Tomorrow New Life Center is seeking an Education Support Specialist to supervise students during the school day and provide academic and behavioral guidance. When schools are closed, the role includes Residential Counselor responsibilities to ensure resident safety and well‑being in accordance with standards.

The position requires a High School Diploma or GED plus at least one year of experience with children, willingness to complete required trainings, and a commitment to the YFT

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of one year of experience working with children.
• Enroll in and complete the assigned training and certification program for development in our milieu of care.
• Be at least 21 years of age in accordance with state regulations and standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the YFT mission and values.
• Effectively collaborate with residents, earn their respect, support their development, and actively participate in individualized treatment programs.
• Facilitate and support constructive resident‑family visitation and resident involvement in community activities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor students inside and outside of the classroom, including lunch, assemblies, between classes, and during transitions.
• Review and reinforce lesson materials with individual students or small groups.
• Collaborate with teachers to create and maintain a positive, structured, and safe learning environment.
• Participate in education‑related training and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and address students’ academic and behavioral needs.
• Oversee physical care of YFT residents during school closures and breaks.
• Develop acceptable habits and attitudes for YFT residents.
• Manage resident behavior.

Skills

Communicate effectively

Make decisions quickly

Resident relationship building

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: YFT Bristow HQ - Bristow, VA 20136

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Education

Overview

Youth For Tomorrow is a 501(c)(3) faith‑based, non‑profit organization, founded in 1986 by Hall of Fame Football Coach Joe Gibbs. The organization is large, diverse, experienced and committed to serving at‑risk youth.

Benefits

YFT offers competitive pay, continuing education, and ongoing training. We offer a comprehensive benefit package for full‑time employees including medical, dental, vision, group life insurance, and up to a 5% retirement match. Supplemental insurance such as life, short‑term disability, critical illness, accident insurance, and legal resources is also provided. We have nine paid holidays and personal time off accruals.

Summary

The Education Support Specialist provides supervision, academic support, and behavioral guidance to students during school hours and transitions. During school closures, breaks, and teacher workdays, this position assumes Residential Counselor responsibilities, ensuring the safety, supervision, and well‑being of residents in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Primary Responsibilities

A. Classroom Support (School Days)

• Monitor students inside and outside of the classroom, including lunch, assemblies, between classes, and during transitions.
• Review and reinforce lesson materials with individual students or small groups.
• Collaborate with teachers to create and maintain a positive, structured, and safe learning environment.
• Participate in education‑related training and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and address students’ academic and behavioral needs.

B. Residential Responsibilities (School Closures, Breaks, and Teacher Workdays)

• Oversee physical care of YFT residents.
• Develop acceptable habits and attitudes for YFT residents.
• Manage resident behavior.
• Assist in meeting the goals and objectives of any required service plan.
• Provide guidance and supervision of the residents/children to whom assigned.
• Coordinate supervision of the residents, maintaining continuous awareness and the ability to account for each resident’s location upon request.
• Confirm census count received from prior on‑duty staff before assuming floor responsibilities; ensure agreement prior to shift departure.
• Maintain shift coverage until the next shift is securely in position. If House Parents/Coordinators are not on duty, provide a full report to incoming staff, which may take up to 15 minutes.
• Confirm the status and location of assigned residents every 15 minutes during each shift.
• Maintain continuous supervision, remaining awake and alert at all times; sleeping while on‑clock is prohibited.
• Maintain consistent structure, supervision, and program regulations 24/7.
• Completely and accurately document required forms, particularly the daily log, prior to shift end.
• Perform waive testing on residents after home visits, AWOL, and as needed with complete accuracy and compliance.
• Attend all mandated training and pursue additional training opportunities to meet standards set forth by YFT.
• Support the structured program of care outlined in DSS state standards (DSS: 22 VAC 40‑151‑720).
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Required Trainings

All mandatory training required by license agencies, government agencies, and YFT.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of one year of experience working with children.
• Enroll in and complete the assigned training and certification program for development in our milieu of care.
• Be at least 21 years of age in accordance with state regulations and standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the YFT mission and values.
• Effectively collaborate with residents, earn their respect, support their development, and actively participate in individualized treatment programs.
• Facilitate and support constructive resident‑family visitation and resident involvement in community activities.
• Provide services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner.
• Work with children and youth across multiple age groups, including those with special needs or behavioral challenges.
• Accurately collect, review, and analyze waive testing results following home visits, AWOL incidents, and as required.
• Work effectively with the treatment team and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Commit to ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.
• Maintain a structured, stable, and therapeutic environment.
• Remain awake, alert, and fully engaged throughout all assigned shifts.
• Consistently maintain safety, security, and program structure at all times.
• Uphold program integrity and independently manage responsibilities in the absence of House Parent or House Coordinator leadership.
• Valid driver’s license meeting organizational insurance requirements is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Communicate effectively with frontline employees and up to the YFT Chief Executive Officer.
• Make decisions quickly, confidently, and independently.
• Delegate and manage tasks of direct reports and house coordinators.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with residents, parents, staff, auditors, licensing agents, and local and multi‑state governments.
• Know VA DSS and VA DBHDS programs, initiatives, and systems.