Learning Specialist II

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia•Hamilton Township, NJ

About The Position

As a Learning Specialist II, you will play a pivotal role in supporting children with complex emotional and behavioral needs within a psychiatric partial hospital program. In this highly impactful position, you’ll design and deliver individualized learning assessments and educational experiences that help children stay engaged in learning while receiving treatment. Your work will bridge education and clinical care ensuring each child’s academic, emotional, and developmental needs are addressed holistically. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams, families, schools, and community partners to promote continuity of learning and long-term success. As a senior member of the Learning Team, you’ll also take on a leadership role by mentoring new staff, supporting program development, and partnering with the Supervisor of Learning Services to strengthen educational services. This role is ideal for educators who are passionate about making a difference, thrive in collaborative environments, and are ready to grow as leaders while positively impacting children’s lives.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Education, Psychology, Sociology, Communications, History or similar field of study - Required
At least two (2) years experience with direct care of children with social, emotional and behavioral needs - Required
Ability to develop and evaluate educational programs for children and families of varied racial, ethnic cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
Ability to provide appropriate developmental assessment and instruction in a natural environment to children of varied racial, ethnic, cultural, religious and social backgrounds.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge and effective use of behavior management strategies.
Ability to work collaboratively in a health care setting.
Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing, with the broadest range of individuals including children, families, the general public, and professionals.
Ability to adapt programs, equipment and materials to suit the individual needs of children with a variety of conditions or disabilities.
Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling and carrying out responsibilities.
Ability to work in an intense and stressful environment.
Demonstrates an understanding of the effects of illness and physical disability on children, family members and treatment staff, including teachers.
Understands and develops ways to alleviate stress in children and families.
Knowledge of hospital and community resources.
Strong organizational skills.
Knowledge of typical and atypical child development and related areas.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in English.
Computer skills including familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
Skill and ability to navigate and document in EPIC the programs EHR
Ability to direct and motivate staff teams.
Critical analysis and problem solving skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
NJ Elementary Education Teacher Certification - New Jersey State Licensing Board - upon hire - Required or
Special Education Certification - New Jersey State Licensing Board - upon hire - Required and
Certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. (CPI) - within 3 months - Required

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree Elementary Education or Special Education - Preferred
At least two (2) years providing educational services - Preferred

Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing assessments of each patient’s learning needs, readiness, and progress, considering emotional, behavioral, and educational factors.
Plan and deliver individualized learning opportunities aligned with IEPs, master treatment plans, and developmental appropriateness.
Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations, clinical rounds, and transition planning, contributing educational insight and assessment data.
Serve as a liaison and advocate for children and families with schools, Child Study Teams, and community partners regarding educational needs.
Communicate progress, recommendations, and discharge planning to families, school personnel, and the treatment team.
Monitor outcomes through pre- and post-testing, social-emotional learning rubrics, data collection, and timely clinical documentation.
Maintain a safe, therapeutic learning environment with close supervision and use of non-violent crisis intervention strategies.
Provide consultation to the clinical team regarding cognitive, social, and instructional needs; recommend referrals when needs exceed scope.
Demonstrate leadership on the Learning Team by mentoring staff, supporting training, and assuming coverage responsibilities as needed.
Support curriculum development, staff education in social-emotional learning, instructional technology (e.g., SMARTboard), and program improvement initiatives.