Program Services Specialist (28286) EXTENDED

About the position

The Education Advisor provides problem resolution, subject matter expertise, advocacy, and guidance for educational wellbeing of children and youth in foster care (youth in care). The education advisor possesses extensive knowledge and skills that help youth navigate the complex network of education (general and special education) and child welfare. The education advisor also serves as education resource for youth in care, caregivers, child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel, Guardian ad Litem (GAL), court personnel, etc. POSITION IS LOCATED IN THE MARION, IL AREA. POSITION IS VIRTUAL (WORKING FROM HOME) BUT COVERS MARION AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.

Responsibilities

• Providing educational technical assistance to resolve individual youth issues.
• Planning for youth's educational needs to be identified and addressed.
• Providing interdisciplinary training to build capacity in the field for meeting educational needs of youth in care.
• Developing partnerships between educational institutions, child welfare agencies, and other organizations that impact youth in care.
• Engaging in systems intervention and strategic planning.

Requirements

• Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: Coursework in social work or behavioral sciences, or closely related field.
• Progressively more responsible work experience in social service/counseling at a paraprofessional level under qualified supervision.

Nice-to-haves

• A Master's degree in education or other related fields and at least 5 years of experience in education or educational advocacy.
• Bachelor's degree and 7 to 10 years of experience in education, and/or educational advocacy.
• Demonstrated professional work experience in education or educational advocacy.
• Demonstrated work experience applying State and Federal laws in a social services or educational setting.