Position Description: (Summarize the essential functions of the job.)
The Educational & Employment Specialist is a full time position that would provide support and resources related to
education and employment for the youth and families in the New York Foundling KEYS program , and report to the
assigned supervisor and/pr Assistant Vice President. The Educational & Employment Specialist meets with youth, families,
and the treatment team, plus collaborates with other stakeholders (i.e. parents, school staff and agency staff; and workforce
opportunities) to ensure that students are receiving all of the supports needed to reach their full academic potential and
youth/families are tapping into employment resources. Educational & Employment Specialists manage a caseload of
youth/families across the five boroughs that require direct and intensive intervention while also providing consultation to
treatment teams for indirect intervention so that all youth students receive educational advocacy and employement support.
They also collaborate with New York Foundling’s in-house programs (i.e. Road to Success and Adolescent Mentoring
Program) by providing referrals as well as case consultation and support to the team. The Educational & Employment
Specialist must be available when youth are available.
Duties
• Provide individual education & employment counseling services to youth who are at risk of failing or dropping out
of school; advocate for these youth within the public education system to ensure that they are accepted into the
most appropriate educational setting; and support with linking youth/families to meet employment goals.
• Conduct school visits and classroom observations, as well as participate in IEP meetings to collaborate with school
staff and ensure students are in the most appropriate academic setting.
• Communicate regularly with treatment team (and parents and youth) about youth’s academic performance,
attendance, etc.
• Communicate regularly with school personnel to obtain updates on student attendance, progress and behavior in the
classroom.
• Monitor educational DOE data and send notifications to agency staff and parents about youth performance,
attendance, etc.
• Adheres to program protocol’s and procedures and maintains clear, concise and accurate approved documentation
of efforts that promote peer and supervisory review and feedback, and that demonstrates compliance with ACS, and
meeting our agency’s expectation. Assures documentation (data entry) for contacts, incidents, and reports are
submitted timely (as indicated by program). Has ability to maintain confidential client records.
• Document all interventions performed in agency databases including but not limited to: Evolv, Care4, and
Connections.
• Help refer students to programs for academic support.
• Identify students in need of special education supports and make appropriate referrals for evaluations as well as
ensure appropriate services are in place within the classroom setting.
• Provide assistance and guidance in the college application process (college selection and admissions application,
admissions essay writing, financial aid application, work study, scholarship selection and application process, room
and board, etc).
• Provide assistance in high school application process (ensure quality schools are listed on the application and that a
complete and correct application is submitted on time).
• Provide support for college students through monthly check in phone calls to assist with transitioning to college
life, class registration, financial aid issues, etc.
• Refer out-of-school youth for HSE and Vocational programs and provide on-going support and guidance to them as
they work towards their goals.
• Develop contacts with relevant community resources, especially employment/workforce opportunities
• Conduct workshops on varying topics to enhance youth and parent engagement, as requested
• Able to help youth and families create and plan for employment and career goals
Revised 3.19.2021
• Provide continuing education and support to treatment team regarding educational related issues and how to best
advocate for the youth on their caseload.
• Perform monthly (or as required by program) case consultation with treatment team and supervisors to ensure
advocacy and planning for all students on our rosters.
• Actively participate in educational meetings/conferences with treatment team and parents (i.e. ERC and/or any
other conference)
• Participate in weekly coaching with supervisor to discuss case needs and identify areas for professional
development. Participating in group meetings and consultations as well as 1:1 coaching
• Willingness to provide coverage support as needed to peers/team members
• Ability to travel outside of assigned borough/region based off of client needs.
• Respond to email correspondences in a timely manner.
• Regular and punctual time and attendance, and adherence to The Foundling’s and your department’s specific time
and attendance policies and protocol.
• Consistent demonstrated commitment to The Foundling’s BHAG, mission, vision and values (Compassion,
Dignity, Family and Community, Diversity, Excellence).
• Adherence to The Foundling’s employee policies, Code of Conduct and applicable rules, laws, regulations or
bargaining agreements.
• Appropriate engagement with support departments to ensure appropriate and timely hiring, performance
management, investigation, discipline, suspension, and restructuring decisions concerning direct reports.
• Any other duties and/or tasks that may be assigned
Other Requirements:
• Two years in direct care position preferred (case planning/community service).
• Experience in youth/child welfare and/or NYC public school system preferred.
• Knowledge of the NYC DOE system, college admissions and financial aid process, high school enrollment process,
and alternative educational settings.
Additional Qualifications:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate and aggregate educational data, put together reports and summaries and present information to other
stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate with other program staff and community resources in meeting client needs.
• Ability to engage hard-to-reach youth in academic services and provide them with guidance and support.
• Microsoft office suite proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Willingness to work flex-hours to meet availability of youth required (work some evenings and weekends).
• Ability to manage time and program priorities, multi-task efficiently, and work under strict deadlines in meeting
program goals.
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