JIC Education Program Specialist

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Division of Domestic Relations and Juvenile Branch is seeking an Education and Program Specialist to develop and manage education and programming for youth in custody at the Juvenile Intervention Center (JIC).

The role collaborates with Columbus City Schools, case managers, and mental health professionals to ensure educational continuity, appropriate accommodations, and outcomes-driven services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Experience in education, with emphasis on at-risk youth or alternative education settings preferred.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed education practices and behavioral management.
• Strong verbal, written, and computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, coordinate, manage, and evaluate JIC educational and youth programming.
• Coordinate educational services with Columbus City Schools and other partners for continuity and access.
• Support individualized educational plans (IEPs, 504 Plans) and accommodations for youth.
• Collaborate with case managers, mental health professionals, and staff to align transition plans and services.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with community organizations to expand educational and life-skills opportunities.
• Monitor attendance, service delivery, and documentation; prepare reports for leadership.

Skills

Trauma-informed education

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Education and Program Specialist work within the Juvenile Intervention Center (JIC) and is responsible for developing, implementing, managing and evaluating JIC education and programming for youth in custody. Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Specialist takes the lead in developing, implementing, coordinating, managing, monitoring, and continuously improving JIC education and programming, including internal and external partners, monitoring participation and service delivery, evaluating effectiveness and outcomes, identifying gaps, and advancing opportunities for improvement. Education and programming are the primary specialty of the position; however, direct interaction, supervision, engagement, and service delivery with youth are normal and essential functions of the role. The specialist works closely with educators, JIC staff, case managers, mental health professionals, school districts, and community partners to provide a structured, safe, and supportive environment that promotes academic growth, personal development, habilitation, and successful reentry.

The employee may be assigned to provide operational support in any unit, pod, department, or functional area within the JIC based upon the operational, safety, and staffing needs of the Center and consistent with the responsibilities, training, and qualifications of the position. Assignment to Education and Programming does not exempt employee from Center-wide responsibilities related to youth supervision, direct services, programming, safety, or operational support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop, implement, coordinate, manage, and evaluate JIC educational and youth programming initiatives that address applicable standards and the individual needs of youth, including tutoring, library access, graduate/GED pathways, post-secondary opportunities, workforce readiness, and transitional services. Coordinate educational services provided by Columbus City Schools and other educational partners to promote continuity, access, and alignment with Center operations.
2. Lead the coordination of individualized educational activities, assignments, and learning opportunities that address the diverse academic needs, abilities, and learning levels of youth, and collaborate with teachers and special education professionals to support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, other required accommodations, and appropriate educational access and supports for youth with disabilities.
3. Serve as a primary JIC point of contact with Columbus City Schools and other school districts to support educational continuity for youth entering, residing in, and transitioning from the Center.
4. Collaborate with case managers, case workers, mental health professionals, FACCES, JCES, and other staff providing services to justice involved youth to develop and coordinate personalized educational and transition plans and improve continuity of services following release from the Center.
5. Identify, develop, and coordinate partnerships with community organizations, educational agencies, and outside service providers to expand educational, vocational, life-skills, social emotional learning, workforce-readiness, recreational, and enrichment opportunities for youth.
6. Coordinate with teachers and educational staff to ensure materials, resources, technology, classroom needs, and asynchronous or alternative assignments are available to support effective instruction and youth who are unable to participate in regular classroom instruction. Coordinate Title I educational supplies, materials, resources, and other designated youth program resources to ensure accurate and timely availability and distribution.
7. Monitor and evaluate the quality, participation, delivery, and outcomes of educational and programming services with applicable laws, regulations, state standards, Center policies, and special education requirements; identify gaps, barriers, and opportunities for improvement; and maintain accurate educational and program records, including attendance, participation, assignments, absences, service delivery, and other required documentation. Montior student attendance and coordinate the appropriate documentation and disposition of absences in accordance with educational and Center policies. Prepare information and reports for the Program Manager, Superintendent and others as directed.
8. Develop, organize, coordinate and manage educational, recreational, enrichment, and other youth programming schedules and communicate program expectations and schedules to appropriate staff. Monitor adherence to school and program schedules, identify barriers to consistent service delivery, and coordinate with appropriate staff to support consistency and effective use of available program time.
9. Work collaboratively with unit staff to support structured out-of-room time, recreation, education, programming, youth movement, and other activities that promote safe and constructive unit operations.
10. Facilitate and participate in individual and group activities with youth, including educational, recreational, life-skills, workforce readiness, and enrichment activities.
11. Provide direct supervision, engagement, guidance, and support to youth during education, programming, unit-based activities, and other assigned Center operations while maintaining active supervision, professional boundaries, and trauma-responsive interactions.
12. Provide operational support to housing units and other areas of the Center as assigned. Under normal operating conditions, unit-life operational support is expected; assignments may vary based upon the operational, safety, and staffing needs of the Center.
13. Follow and support JIC safety, youth supervision, behavior management, youth movement, contraband control, and emergency response procedures consistent with the duties of the position and required training. Monitor education and programming environments for adherence to applicable safety and behavior management protocols; support programming and interventions consistent with youth rehabilitation and developmental goals; and conduct routine rounds and contraband sweeps within education and program areas to help maintain safe, orderly, and appropriate learning and programming environments. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, Special Education, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in education, with experience in alternative education, special education, or at-risk youth settings preferred.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed education practices and behavioral management.
• Strong verbal, written, and computer skills; Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience developing, implementing, coordinating, or managing educational or youth programs. Experience working in a juvenile justice or correctional environment. Knowledge of state and federal education laws related to youth in detention. Familiarity with restorative justice principles, workforce-readiness, and how they can be applied in educational settings. It is the policy of The Court to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. The Court prohibits discrimination and maintains a strict disciplinary policy, up-to and including termination for violations of the EEO policy. Applications for this posting will be accepted until 11:59 PM on 11/09/2026