Fair Futures Education and Vocational Specialist

Job Summary :

A primary function of 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.

Job 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.

Coordinate scheduling of vocational programs with programs under their umbrella.

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.

Qualifications

Supervisory Responsibility

No- This position reports to the Fair Futures Program Coordinator.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :

This is a full-time position of 35 hours per week. Daily schedule and hours will fluctuate to meet the needs of the team and clients. The Fair Future Education and Employment Specialist will be expected to participate in facility treatment team meetings, family nights, parent nights and other events to help to engage youth in placement and streamline services. The schedule requires flexibility to meet the participation expectations.

Travel (if required) :

The Fair Future Education and Employment Specialist will provide their own transportation and work-related travel expenses outside of the facilities will be reimbursed upon review. Ability to travel to all five boroughs.

Physical Requirements :

Must be able to pass SCM Training.

Other Duties :

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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual's perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.