Education Support Program Coordinator

NEW BEGINNINGS, INC.

Position Title: Educational Support Program Coordinator
Program: Residential Services
Reports To: Director of Residential Services
Classification: Exempt
Pay Range: $47,000 - $55,000

Job Summary: Provides oversight of and implements New Beginnings? Educational Support Services programming with the goal of maintaining or restoring connections to formal education for youth in transition, including: curriculum development, morning educational program for shelter youth, individualized support for youth in Outreach and TLP, summer activities, and individual/small group instruction or tutoring. Develops opportunities and supports for youth who are runaways, homeless, or living in unstable living situations to participate in educational and career preparation-related programming. Coordinates agency Educational Services with other departments, manages documentation and reporting, and may supervise a PT Educational Support Specialists and/or interns/volunteers. Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week schedule.

Essential Job Functions:
1. Works with shelter youth and staff to identify and overcome barriers to education through individualized assessment, planning/goal-setting, and instruction/skills improvement (provided virtual/online and in-person based on youth and program needs). Provides individualized support to youth from the Outreach and TLP through informal drop-in hours, group activities, by appointment, and via referrals. Engages students in short- and long-term goal setting; helps students choose program focus in alignment with self-identified goals; supports student reflection focused on making connections between day-to-day work and long-term goals. Provides participating youth with guidance, counseling, and support within appropriate limits; refers youth to additional support services on an as needed basis.

2. Assesses student academic level and provides appropriate curriculum to ensure students achieve competencies through classroom instruction and educational activities outside the classroom ? both individually and in small groups. Teaches through a variety of methods including direct instruction, hands on activities, and team teaching; tailors the program and methods for the needs of each specific student, and implements an intervention strategy for each individual. Offers activities and workshops for both youth and staff across the agency designed to increase youths? connection to education.

3. Updates and publicizes schedule of services; may recruit, train, and supervise Educational Support Specialists and any project-related volunteers or interns.

4. Plans for and manages program purchases and donations for activities, summer programming, snacks, and regular supplies within budget. Maintains program classroom and supplies to ensure space is clean, organized, and welcoming.

5. Obtains educational records and evaluations from previous schools as needed; obtains homework assignments and maintains contact with schools of origin for youth in the emergency shelter. Works with McKinney ?Vento school liaisons as appropriate.

6. Maintains close communication with supervisor, other Education Specialists, tutors/program volunteers, agency program coordinators, case workers, and primary counselors in New Beginnings? programs to coordinate case plans and provide ongoing progress reports; as needed, attends staff meetings of other programs for staff development, recruitment, and continuity of care.

7. Supports the Dot Larrabee Youth Development Fund scholarship program, including: promoting the program to youth and staff; assisting with scheduling and interviewing youth applicants, advising the DLDYF committee; and providing follow-up to awardees.

8. Cultivates and maintains partnerships in the community that provide educational opportunities that are aligned with youth and program goals.

9. Maintains accurate records, including arranging and scheduling of program activities, and managing youth progress notes and assessments, and compiling documentation for evaluation and reporting. Assists with program development activities such as grant writing as requested.

10. Participates in community networking activities that strengthen the program?s operations and represents New Beginnings at meetings and events as assigned.

11. Other duties as may be assigned.

Education and Training:
Bachelor?s degree in education preferred; bachelor?s degree in a related field required. Educational certification (e.g. Educational Technician or ELL certificate) may be substituted for part of the educational requirement. A minimum of two years of experience working with homeless/high risk youth or in alternative educational settings is required. Prior supervisory experience preferred.

Specialized Skills:
Experience developing curriculum or lesson plans; knowledge or experience with special education and multiple intelligences; basic counseling, conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills; knowledge of community resources; group facilitation skills; ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities. Understanding of positive youth development and alternative educational approaches. Valid driver?s license and driving record which meets New Beginnings? requirements.

Cognitive Requirements:
Good problem-solving skills and communications skills; literacy and writing skills on at least a college level; proficiency in use of a personal computer and basic office and educational software programs.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to drive agency van and supervise/participate in field trips and off-site activities.

Work Environment:
Classroom and office space; implements services at each Lewiston program location in addition to in the education program space (including third floor locations via stairs). Some flexibility in work hours is required; some time spent in community environment.