Education and Enrichment Specialist

One Family Illinois•Chicago, IL

75d•$50,000 - $55,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Education & Enrichment Specialist provides educational support and enrichment activities for youth in One Family Illinois’s Safe Haven Program and Sibling Foster Care Program. The role develops age-appropriate programming that supplements school and other engagement activities, connects young people and families with educational and community resources, and supports youth as they transition into or out of the programs. The Specialist also develops and oversees enrichment opportunities, including after-school and summer activities, and evaluates program outcomes to recommend improvements. The position works with Professional Foster Parents, program and administrative staff, the Advancement Department, the Clinical Department, schools, and community partners to address client and community needs. It includes coordinating events, managing program budgets, maintaining tracking systems, and providing periodic reports. The position is full-time and may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as well as travel within the community and to agency sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, or a related field, or two years of related experience providing services to youth with behavioral, educational, and/or emotional challenges.
Ability to pass the DCFS-required criminal background check, including CANTS/LEADS and SORS.
Valid Illinois driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, insurance, and reliable transportation.
Willingness to travel within the community and to various agency sites.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff.
Ability to relate to agency staff and the public in a courteous and professional manner.
Ability to work in a team environment.
Strong verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials.
Reliable and punctual, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Ability to work in an alcohol-, tobacco-, and drug-free environment.
Commitment to One Family Illinois’s philosophy and mission.

Nice To Haves

Foster care experience.
Experience using SACWIS.
CWEL.

Responsibilities

Develop age-appropriate programming for youth in the Safe Haven and Sibling Foster Care programs to supplement school and other engagement activities.
Coordinate with Professional Foster Parents, program staff, the Advancement Department, the Clinical Department, and the Village Administrative Team regarding client and community needs and service availability.
Build and maintain relationships with local schools and community partners.
Monitor progress reports and report card grades and help connect youth with educational assistance, such as tutoring, when needed.
Communicate regularly with teachers, school counselors, school social workers, and principals to support youth educationally, emotionally, and socially in the classroom.
Develop community partnerships for purchasing, programming, and networking.
Identify recreational, cultural enrichment, psychological, health care, mentoring, and social service programs for children and families.
Develop, enhance, implement, and oversee enrichment programs, including after-school and summer activities focused on life skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, arts and culture, and donor or corporate activities.
Help youth transition into and out of the programs through introductions, activity opportunities, and access to community resources.
Assist with coordinating special events at the Villages.
Develop and manage departmental budgets for activities, programs, and events.
Work with foster and biological parents to connect children who need additional services with appropriate resources.
Maintain tracking systems, provide periodic reports, track and evaluate program success, and recommend improvements.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible work options.
Paid time off, including personal days, sick time, vacation days, and paid company holidays.
Bonus plan for Child Welfare Specialists.
Employee referral bonuses.
Competitive healthcare plans through BCBS for employees and dependents, with eligibility beginning the first of the month after 30 days of full-time employment.
Vision, dental, and life insurance offerings.
Flexible PTO.
Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
403(b) retirement savings plan; employees may contribute immediately upon full-time employment, and the organization contributes 4% after 12 months of full-time employment regardless of employee contributions.
Participation in the federal student loan forgiveness program.
Access to financial advisors and financial education tools.
Tuition reimbursement options.
Further education opportunities and time to attend trainings and workshops for personal and professional development.