What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education/College Specialist position at JCCA?
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director LEAP-Campus, the Education/College Specialist oversees and address the educational needs of foster youth in care within JCCA Westchester Campus Programs. The Specialists’ overall job is to build positive relationships with young people and work in collaboration with campus staff to assist young people with their educational needs.
Essential Job Functions:
- Support and guide Campus youth in the transition from High School to higher levels of education.
- Attend and present, in the evening as needed, at community meetings, school district meetings, etc.
- Assist college bound campus youth in identifying and researching potential colleges in line with their interests, preferences and performance; write effective college essays, complete applications, and research and apply for financial aid and scholarships
- Support young people to reapply to all forms of financial aid and scholarships each year
- Coordinate Pre-SAT/SAT tests and monitor scores to discuss college options
- Organize college tours for youth who have been identified as upcoming graduates
- Maintain consistent post-secondary educational plans for the youth which whom they are working with, effectively linking communication among youth, families, JCCA staff and schools.
- Complete CSE discharge referrals to appropriate school setting for youth upon discharge
- Educate and empower youth regarding all college prep steps, and to support each step needed for successful entry into college.
- In regards to educational issues, actively participate in the planning and execution of all audits and reports needed for funders and regulators.
- Attend all educational meetings; including but not limited to FTC’s, permanency planning meetings, school based CSE meetings and ACCES-VR utilization reviews for campus youth, especially those who are aging out of foster care, suspension meetings and re-entry meetings
- Work in tandem with MPCS school district to ensure education success of youth.
- Complete timely progress notes in CONX and Evolve
- Other related duties as may become necessary or as directed by your supervisor, department director, and/or administrator
Knowledge, Education and Skills Required:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant experience working in education
- Creative, outgoing personality willing to work very flexible hours including nights and weekends.
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to effectively communicate with youth, team members, and outside agency personnel.
- Able to attend to detail and follow through
- Computer literate
- Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills
