EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST

About Graham Windham

In full partnership with families & communities, Graham Windham strives to make a life-altering difference to children, youth and families affected by abuse, neglect and delinquency by providing each child we serve with a strong foundation for life: a safe, loving, permanent family and the opportunity and preparation to thrive in school and in the world. With over 600 full-time employees serving children and families in multiple programs throughout Westchester County, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem, Graham Windham provides an exciting & enriching work experience.

Graham Windham is one of the first organizations in the New York City to implement Solution – Based Casework. Solution – Based casework helps children and families to be the solution to the seemingly insurmountable problems in their lives, from generational cycles of poverty, abuse, and neglect to unemployment, domestic violence, and severe health problems. By recognizing and reinforcing their innate strengths and ability to cope, we at Graham Windham empower them to take the lead in making change in their lives.

About the Program

Graham Windham’s overall mission is to ensure that every child we serve has a strong, loving, permanent family, and the opportunities and preparation to succeed in school and life.  The Family Success Initiative provides supportive services to parents and children.  The goal is to help parents safely manage their children’s behaviors by helping parents proactively anticipate the unique needs of their children, and employ strategies to meet those needs; consistently apply developmentally appropriate discipline; manage parent-child conflict; create and sustain nurturing environments for their children; and connect to networks of support. 

About the Position

The Educational Specialist will provide comprehensive educational advocacy and technical assistance to help assess the literacy and educational needs of youth in Graham Windham’s care. The coordinator will work closely with both Foster Care and Preventive Services and Preparing Youth for Adulthood staff to monitor student progress and make certain that school placements are appropriate, and that students have strong educational choices for the future.

Duties &Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Work with FCAP team to develop educational service plans to meet client needs and court concerns.
• Instruct and coaches Case Planners in the application of SBC and evidence based models associated with CSNYC so that it is reflected in the daily casework activities conducted with the child, parent/caregivers and foster parents.
• Develop and maintain a single case record for each youth served.  The record will include report cards, progress notes, educational service plans, and any official correspondence.
• Involve youth and caring committed adults in planning and supporting each child’s education.
• Intervene in educational systems, utilizing accurate knowledge and skills to navigate and affect positive results for students at various administrative hearings and meetings.
• Coordinate with Primary Planners, Youth Development Coordinators and other staff to plan for and monitor children’s educational outcomes and progress.
• Arrange for tutorial services to support the academic achievement of students.
• Provide technical assistance to FCAP staff, resource and biological parents to help them develop strategies and techniques to support the literacy & educational development of our children and families. 
• Follow-up with primary planners and parents on youth’s school enrollment, attendance, school transfers and educational evaluations.
• Encourage students completing high school to go on to postsecondary education and provide them with assistance in completing financial aid, and ETV applications.
• Attend Family Team Conferences, Service Plan Reviews and Critical Care meetings to provide academic support and information not only to the staff but also to the Biological and Resource parents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Requires Bachelor’s degree; 1 or more years of experience providing client-centered advocacy services and incorporating NYC Department of Education laws and regulations into daily practice; Bilingual in Spanish preferred; Must be able to travel within NYC Metropolitan area; Must have excellent verbal, written communication and presentation skills; time management and organizational skills; Computer literate; MS Office; NYS Connections; Knowledge of issues, needs, priorities and diversity of child welfare community in NYC.; Ability to work with diverse populations.

Full-time position; salary commensurate with experience.  Graham Windham offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, holiday pay, retirement savings plan, and much more.

EOE