Education/Vocational Specialist - NSP

Good Shepherd Services•Brooklyn, NY

33d•Onsite

About The Position

The Educational/Vocational Specialist will provide activities that promote educational engagement and success for youth in both NSP Blum and Rose. As a significant part of the treatment team, the Educational/Vocational Specialist will assist in re-enrolling youth and families in an appropriate school/vocational program, provide school advocacy, and offer support for developing academic, vocational, and job-related skills to promote self-sufficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree requires plus youth development experience and an understanding of the special needs of adolescents in care.
Must have strong communication skills (written and verbal).
Prior experience working with the school system, as well as the ability to set up a network of community resources.
Must be able to make home visits, escort youth to school, home, and other appointments.
Must have a NYS driver's license and be willing to help with transportation, as subject to program needs.
Must be able to use public transportation, including subways or buses, when required to travel.
Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth development, and trauma-informed perspective.
Must be a strong advocate and understand the obstacles of navigating educational systems

Responsibilities

Conduct individual assessments and develop educational plans during intake and at regular intervals to support youth academic success.
Collaborate with the treatment team to design and implement coordinated, holistic service plans by participating in FTCs and weekly team meetings.
Drive the (re)enrollment process by actively engaging youth, families, and the NSP team to secure placement in community schools or vocational programs.
Monitor and document the academic progress of Good Shepherd services _NSP participants enrolled in District 79 � Passages Academy, ensuring timely and consistent follow-up and support.
Visit Passages Academy twice a month to collaborate with the school staff and to observe, assess, monitor, and support the youth�s academic performance in the classroom.
Lead the planning and execution of educational and vocational events and projects to promote youth engagement and development.
Provide specialized support for youth and parents for students with special education needs, ensuring access to appropriate services, assessments, and accommodations.
Facilitate weekly educational, vocational, and job-readiness groups for NSP participants to support skills for academic success.
Identify and develop academic tutoring resources tailored to individual youth needs.
Conduct ongoing individual meetings with youth and families to assess progress and provide guidance and refer them of long-term education resources in the community.
Build and maintain educational/vocational resource networks, including college access, special education services, post-secondary training programs, paid internships and job training programs.
Serve as liaison with the NYC Department of Education and ACS to advocate for youth educational needs.
Develop and refer NSP participants to employment and internship opportunities, including SYEP, Work Learn and Grow, part-time, and full-time placements.
Maintain accurate documentation of all activities, including intake, collateral contacts, referrals, contacts with youth, and collaboration with stakeholders.
Engage in continuous communication and planning with the NSP teams (Rose and Blum) regarding educational and vocational goals, needs, and services.
Provide training and technical assistance to staff on the educational and vocational needs of youth participants.
Advocate for youth and families in interactions with DOE, ACS, and other external partners.
Utilize Sanctuary Model tools�such as safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, and red flag reviews�to foster a trauma-informed, non-violent culture.
Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to support a safe and healing environment.
Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF framework (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future) into daily practice to ensure quality care.
Coordinate with Case Planners, Social Workers, and Youth Development Counselors on educational planning, and document all contacts and notes in Connections.
Collaborate with the case planner to prepare educational reports/updates for court proceedings.
Participate in NSP program events, including but not limited to trips, family night and recreation activities.
Attend training as assigned by the supervisor to enhance professional development.
Must be willing and able to utilize Safety Crisis Management if and when necessary