Education Specialist

Bethany Christian Services USA • Kalamazoo, MI

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Rooted in our Christian faith, Bethany Christian Services works to ensure children are safe, loved, and connected through family. Across 29 states, we strengthen families, support foster care and adoption, and walk alongside refugees with compassion. Here, living out your faith means using your gifts to bring hope and make a lasting impact. As an Education Specialist, you’ll walk alongside unaccompanied children as they seek family reunification, older youth preparing for adulthood in a new country, and foster families who give these children a home away from home.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s level degree in Human Services, Recreation Therapy, Education, or equivalent from an accredited college
• Previous work experience in community education and/or child welfare
• Must have an ability to complete the 40 hours of annual training
• Must possess knowledge of the U.S. public school system
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills with cross-cultural sensitivity
• Must possess knowledge of current recreation therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and group counseling techniques
• Must have an ability to be mature and reflect stable judgement
• Have an ability to pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline hepatitis immunization
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity

Nice To Haves

• Previous work experience with refugees and minority families

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate ESL classes and study time activities for all youth within program
• Effectively document youth education progress
• Effectively communicate with resident’s school to ensure consistent educational progress
• Develop and implement life skills curriculum in alignment with program and agency expectations
• Maintain clear records of youth attendance and participation in class and report out to the assigned Case Manager
• Maintain communication with collateral resources as indicated by client needs and supervision
• Provide educational materials for residents in the home to use
• Provide and assess an English and Life Skills needs test for all newly arriving residents and at graduation
• Conduct assessment and matching of mentors with mentees
• Conduct case recordings in compliance with state licensing standards and DHS standards
• Prepare and be involved in supervision with the Home Coordinator
• Provide recommendations for treatment approaches and interventions in staff meetings, and conferences, while presenting formulations and behavioral observations regarding each resident’s treatment
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective service coordination within the program
• Stay abreast of and solicit community resources, when necessary
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• May be required or asked to participate in a Bethany sponsored event
• Complete other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Experience a team environment with other professionals who are motivated by faith, support one another, pursue excellence, and are in it for the long haul
• Access to training, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Low-cost health benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Matching 403B retirement contributions
• Generous time off (11 paid holidays, PTO Your Way, paid parental leave, separate sick and paid absence banks)
• Education reimbursement for master’s degree program in human services
• Comprehensive employee assistance and wellness program
• Employee covered long-term disability and term life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level