Fair Futures Education & Employment Specialist - Rising Ground, Inc

Overview

Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 101 programs in 138 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

The Fair Futures Education and Employment Specialist (EES’s) is to assess, monitor and evaluate progress of the individualized educational and vocational goals of youth supported. It will be the responsibility of the specialist to make sure that educational services are being provided in accordance with NYS department of education standards. EES’s will ensure that youth have appropriate support when transitioning home as it relates to identifying a school, vocational program, and potential employment. Additionally, specialists will share information with aftercare case planners to ensure that there is continuity of care. The ideal candidate will be able to coordinate delivery of services and work to develop concrete educational and vocational goals. The specialists will work in collaboration with fair future coaches to support youth as they work on established goals. As it relates to employment support, specialists will ensure that youth develop the skills needed to obtain an entry level job. They will support youth in the development of a job portfolio which includes a resume, cover letter and references. They will also work to link youth with hands on training professional self and are able to successfully apply to and obtain an entry level job. EES’s will also focus on providing quality vocational services to youth served by running groups, developing partnerships with community organizations, and ensuring all youth develop a professional portfolio. In special cases, the EES will refer youth who are interested in pursuing their GED/ post-secondary training. The specialist will be able to work with families, youth, and DOE representatives to ensure continuity within the educational system while in placement as well as during discharge. They must demonstrate and possess the ability to build relationships with schools, educators, and resources within the community.

Responsibilities

• Work with youth both in program and community with regards to educational and vocational planning.
• Build and maintain a supportive relationship with youth and families and engage them to be a part of the service planning and change process. Engage the primary caregiver and other key participants to be a part of service planning in support of the youth.
• Complete a comprehensive intake assessment which includes grade level, IEP status, educational track, and other relevant information. Provide ongoing support and monitoring of educational services. Identify an educational pathway IE: GED/ Traditional Route etc.
• Complete a comprehensive vocational assessment to establish vocational and career goals using the SMART method. This includes assisting youth in the process of identifying a career and what level of education/ certification is necessary for identified careers.
• Identify and link youth with community-based organizations that are willing to provide an educational/vocational experience to youth in care who are work ready.
• Ensure youth are programmed in the appropriate classes and review program cards, transcripts and documents received from DOE point people.
• Identify high needs students that require additional tutoring/ support services and work to provide tutors and additional support necessary.
• Ensure the education tab is updated in CNNX for each youth.
• Conduct monthly face to face contact with DOE staff/transition specialist.
• Provide educational updates to youth and families on an as needed basis and enter all education contacts in CNNX and CARE 4 as per ACS.
• Develop and maintain records and databases on students’ educational and work performance.
• Facilitate and attend IEP meetings and ensure there is consistent communication between DOE and the provider agency. If discrepancy is developed in needs as identified by the IEP advocate for change.
• Participate in youth conferences including initial, comprehensive, discharge and ERC conferences as well as internal treatment teams.
• Coordinate student registration for special educational programs.
• Accompany youth on school visits and welcome meetings.
• Ensure all credits and school related information transitions with the youth upon discharge- to ensure that a smooth transition process takes place.
• Utilize evidence-based models such as motivational interviewing to facilitate change as well as aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help meet goals.
• Ensure youth receive age-appropriate work training opportunities which include participation in SYEP and internships via the DOE internship program.
• Offer career counseling and establish career paths with SMART goal setting.
• Identify and explore post-secondary education options.
• Ensure youth discharged have developed a professional portfolio that includes working papers, resume, cover letter and professional references.
• Coordinate scheduling of vocational programs with programs under their umbrella.
• Conduct classes on financial literacy and other soft skills that will support youth development.
• Partner with community organizations that can provide employment opportunities to youth upon discharge.
• Identify certificate bearing programs/ classes and work to have eligible youth certified in OSHA, CPR and any additional certifications available to them.
• Ensure that all youth are enrolled in NYC SYEP upon discharge-for youth that remain in placement coordinate SYEP programming with assigned houses.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Participate in training offered through the ACS education unit.
• Participate in monthly education work groups with the ACS education unit.
• Serve as a liaison/educational advocate between the youth and community support.
• Develop and implement programs using evidence-based models ensuring all information is relevant and current.
• Assist youth in the development of a professional portfolio which includes a resume, cover letter, references, and job search portfolio.
• Work with Fair Future coaches to provide skill-based groups.
• Facilitate information sessions on various careers through keynote speakers and education fairs.
• Identify and explore post-secondary education options. Assist in the application to programs prior to discharge if applicable- as it relates to job corp., the application to unions and post-secondary training programs.
• Develop partnerships with local community businesses that are willing to provide skill-based training to youth as well as potential employment opportunities to youth who are career ready.
• Work to develop an in-housework program at all sites.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• In addition, EES’s will perform Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) related task. ( ie credit checks, life skill workshops etc.)

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2-3 years of experience of working in a related field with youth and families.
• Possess general knowledge of youth development principles and theories.
• Possess strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Possess general knowledge of the NYC DOE system, interpreting educational documents and developing educational goals.

Salary Range $65,000 - $75,000

Benefits include (Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k matching)