Elementary School Education Specialist

MercyFirst•Brooklyn, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

MercyFirst is seeking an Elementary School Education Specialist for its Bridges to the Future program. The role provides educational assistance and support to children and youth in family foster care, from early education and intervention through the beginning of elementary school. The specialist assists with special education referrals, school applications, educational advocacy, transportation referrals, and access to academic and enrichment programs. The role also coordinates with families, agency staff, schools, public agencies, and community organizations to support each child’s educational needs and best interests. The specialist monitors students’ educational status and support services, helps ensure appropriate school placements, and coordinates and tracks tutoring services. Administrative duties include maintaining educational information and contact records in agency systems, submitting billing, and completing program reports. The position is full-time and hybrid in Brooklyn, New York, and reports to the Elementary School Education Specialist.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Social Work, Psychology, or Mental Health, and at least 2 years of related work experience with at-risk or child welfare system-involved youth; or an associate or accredited vocational degree and at least 3 years of related work experience with at-risk or child welfare system-involved youth.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, with some knowledge of Excel.
Ability to file documentation accurately.
Ability to engage with clients.
Understanding of and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

Responsibilities

Provide educational assistance and support to children and youth in family foster care from early education and intervention through the beginning of elementary school.
Assist case planners and parents with referrals to the Committee of Special Education.
Provide individualized assistance with school applications for students in 3K through fifth grade, working with families and agency staff.
Advocate for students and ensure they receive necessary support services in IEP and other educational meetings.
Submit referrals and coordinate with the Office of Pupil Transportation to arrange bussing for eligible youth.
Serve as an agency liaison to case planners, families, the NYC Department of Education, the ACS Education Committee, Advocates for Children, schools, and other collaborating organizations.
Use Department of Education data to track, report, and monitor children’s educational status with casework teams, parents, and resource parents.
Support families applying to academic programs, including 3K, pre-K, and elementary school, and enrichment programs such as Summer Rising and after-school programs.
Help ensure each child is placed in an appropriate educational setting, including early intervention, early education, regular education, special education, gifted programs, and specialized programs.
Coordinate referrals to free or low-cost community tutoring and, where those services are unavailable, private and in-home tutoring.
Monitor in-home tutoring services and track student progress and outcomes with students, families, and the tutoring company.
Connect youth with quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities aligned with their goals, and provide educational advocacy.
Collaborate with case planners, tutors, educational specialists, care managers, teachers, guidance counselors, birth parents, foster parents, and other supports in each youth’s life.
Assist, encourage, and support youth in pursuing their educational goals.
Complete administrative duties, including timely entry of educational information, weekly contacts, steps taken toward goals, and other key data in CONNECTIONS, Care4, and the Fair Futures online platform; submit billing and monthly program reports.
Perform other related duties as assigned by a supervisor or administrator.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and their families.
403B retirement benefits.
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, plus 12 paid holidays.
Free employee assistance program through National EAP.
Insurance discounts for staff and their families.
Training to support professional and personal development.
Employee wellness program.
Employee recognition activities.
$1,000 hiring incentive after 500 worked hours.