Educational Specialist - The ARC of Greater New Orleans

Are you looking for a career that makes a difference in your local community? Join us at the Arc of Greater New Orleans!

Summary

The Educational Specialist is a dedicated and compassionate member of ArcGNO who supports students with disabilities and their families. This role provides technical assistance, advocacy, and resources to help navigate educational challenges and ensure access to appropriate services. This role should possess strong communication skills, a deep understanding of special education processes, and a commitment to empowering families.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide technical assistance and support to students and families in Region 1 to ensure their unique needs are addressed in IEPs
• Be available to answer calls from families seeking assistance
• Meet in person or attend in-person meetings when requested with families and school personnel
• Respond to emails from parents and or teachers when needed
• Create social media posts occasionally of tips and tricks for students (created by the Arc of Louisiana)
• Complete a monthly spreadsheet detailing the support provided to students and families and submit in a timely manner to the Arc of Louisiana
• Provide technical assistance to schools and families to better meet students' needs
• Will represent ArcGNO at school and community events and promote programs and services to relevant parties

Core Competencies

• Conflict Resolution

• Adaptability

• Problem-solving

• Accountability

• Interpersonal Communication

• Self-motivation

• Time Management

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities and their families in an educational setting
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Proficient in using social media platforms for outreach and engagement
• Compassionate, patient, and committed to advocacy for individuals with disabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, education, or related field
• 1-2 years in a similar role working within the Louisiana education system
• Strong knowledge of special education laws, policies, and procedures (e.g., IDEA, Section 504)

Working Conditions & Physical Demands 

• The Arc of Greater New Orleans will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act, and all other Federal, State, and local legislative requirements. 
• The Arc of Greater New Orleans will ensure that reasonable accommodations are made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of that position.
• While performing the job, this position typically involves sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, carrying (15lbs), and lifting (15lbs)
• Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously
• Perform repetitive motion activities
• Operates a computer keyboard
• Makes and receives telephone calls 
• Daily use of general office equipment: copier, fax machine, phones, etc
• Temperature extremes may be encountered while working outdoors and indoors in buildings without air conditioning
• For outreach events, the buildings may require walking up and down several flights of stairs, sometimes multiple times in one day
• Travel is primarily local during the business day

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. This job description shall not constitute or be construed as a promise of employment or as a contract between the Arc of Greater New Orleans and any of its employees. 

EEO Statement

The Arc of Greater New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability-protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in the search process should notify the Human Resources department.