Director of Educational Adovacy

FOSTER CARE COALITION OF GREATER ST•Brentwood, MO

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Educational Advocacy will provide direct supervision to program staff. The Director will ensure successful outcomes by working with staff to achieve deliverables, overcoming institutional barriers, and encouraging strong collaboration internally and among community partner agencies. Other responsibilities include case record review, network building, and supporting execution of specific educational plans. The Director will be charged with ensuring program fidelity while also looking for opportunities to create program efficiencies. Through all of this, the Director of Educational Advocacy helps create a work environment that inspires trust, professionalism, teamwork, and creativity.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in education or related field
Demonstrated experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.
In-depth knowledge of the education system.
Proven management experience with specific skill in cultivating positive people management is required.
Minimum of 5 years working in or with the systems of education and foster care is preferred.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with children, families, and professionals
Ability to collect and integrate relevant data, and resources
Ability to support Educational Advocates in service planning and research
Ability to successfully engage children and families and support them regarding educational concerns
Ability to identify, work with, and refer to collateral services and supports in the families’ communities
Ability to build rapport with children, families, and professionals during face-to-face and phone contact
Ability to critically assess educational strengths and concerns
Ability to use typical office computer programs (i.e., Microsoft Outlook and Word), fax, copier, and cell phone
Understanding of diversity (ethnic, religious, socio-economic, etc.) as well as sensitivity to the situations of the children and families the organization serves.
Respect for the confidentiality of the children and families the organization serves.
Passing background checks (references, Family Care Safety Registry, Form 1-9, etc.).
Clean criminal history.
Must fulfill the responsibility as a mandated reporter in the State of Missouri.
Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition.
Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of education and child welfare best practices, policies, laws, and procedures

Responsibilities

Provide constructive and strategic feedback to the Leadership Team.
Facilitate decision-making and communications within and between internal and external constituents and professionals for the development and enhancement of the organization.
Direct and develop people.
Willingness to initiate difficult discussions.
Shape positive organizational culture.
Evaluate and monitor team and agency-wide progress towards annual goals and objectives.
Drive execution.
Have vision and see the big picture (especially when things get challenging).
Demonstrate emotional, professional and emotional maturity; introspection.
Stand up and get involved when necessary—strong advocacy skills.
Lead by example.
Provide direct supervision and support to Education Advocates.
Drive execution of program and agency goals.
Facilitate decision-making and communications within and between teams.
Initiate difficult discussions.
Provide direct supervision and support to Educational Advocates.
Establish and monitor staff performance and program goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
Drive execution of program and agency goals.
Facilitate decision-making and communications within and between teams.
Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
Monitor and assign new cases.
Complete internal referrals to agency services such as Family Works, Comprehensive Systems Navigation, Older Youth Readiness, and training opportunities.
Complete thorough, professional, and timely documentation (i.e., intake forms, assessment, progress, and activity notes).
Maintain accurate files and records for each client, including billing.
Complete daily activity log.
Keep work calendar current.
Ability to navigate various software packages to obtain, collect, and track program data in a timely manner as required by funders and/or the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition.
Provide professional learning for community outreach.
Receive and respond to training, coaching, supervision, and feedback; works well in team setting.
Participate in team and agency meetings and/or individual professional consultations; the majority of these meetings should be attended in person.
Respond to communication from families and professionals in a timely manner.
Follow procedures for meeting with, calling, and consulting supervisors.
Possess a high level of professionalism and adhere to strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
Respect and demonstrate understanding for differences including the ability to interact effectively with individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, and socioeconomic status.
Strong advocacy skills – standing up and getting involved when necessary.