Education Specialist

ERC Pathlight•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Education Specialist provides academic support to patients with behavioral health conditions, helping them maintain academic status and progress in their home school district while prioritizing treatment. The role facilitates an independent learning classroom environment, conducts education assessments, coordinates with home schools, develops specialized education plans, and collaborates with the treatment team to support patient outcomes and overall wellness. This PRN position follows the school calendar year from August to May, with weekday hours from 1 PM to 3 PM. Additional hours may be needed depending on patient admissions. The caseload is 18–22 patients, with a balance between caseload responsibilities and patient-facing time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, behavioral sciences, or a related field.
Two to four years of teaching experience in a classroom or school environment.
Strong knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment modalities, and therapeutic interventions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude when supporting individuals facing mental health challenges.
Ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to comprehensive treatment plans.
Knowledge of educational methodologies, curriculum design, and specialized education.

Nice To Haves

Teaching certification.
Experience in behavioral healthcare settings providing education and support to patients with mental health conditions.
Familiarity with laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines pertaining to behavioral healthcare education.

Responsibilities

Deliver group academic support sessions to patients in a classroom setting.
Create a safe and inclusive environment that encourages work completion and a sense of community.
Provide individualized educational support tailored to patients’ needs and treatment plans.
Offer guidance, resources, and assistance to help patients develop coping mechanisms that support their mental health goals.
Develop education plans intended to maintain patients’ academic standing with their home school district, considering alternative academic options as needed.
Advocate for realistic academic expectations and a reduced academic load while prioritizing recovery and treatment.
Access and coordinate state and county resources for tutoring and one-on-one instruction.
Collaborate with therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other behavioral healthcare professionals to support holistic patient care.
Coordinate with parents, authorized school staff, tutors, and guidance counselors to communicate and advocate for patients’ academic needs, including transition meetings and 504 planning.
Track and assess educational progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust education plans accordingly.
Work with the treatment team to address barriers and challenges faced by patients.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of educational sessions and relevant information in compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Stay current on developments in eating, behavioral, and mental health disorders, diagnoses, treatments, and interventions that support patient recovery.
Stay informed about specialized education best practices, child development, education trends, and learning differences.
Keep current with company policies and procedures and complete required training and certificates through the ERC Pathlight University platform.