School Network Staff Education Specialist
Job Description
Department: Education
New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an innovative and comprehensive child welfare and social services agency that provides essential support to families with at least one family member who has a disability and/or chronic medical condition. Children and their families enter into NAC’s services through the city’s foster care system, preventive services, or by way of community referral. All of our clients have access to a wide array of services including intensive, multi-faceted support for children’s educational needs.
As such, NAC is looking for a creative problem solver to join a fun, hardworking team as an Education Specialist for early childhood who will support families from all of NAC programs in wide-ranging school/schooling related matters. Additionally, the Education Specialist will assist in the development and delivery of opportunities related to the promotion of caregiver and student self-advocacy and empowerment.
Responsibilities of the Education Specialist for early childhood:
- Primary responsibility is to support NAC families in accessing appropriate educational and developmental services.
- Report to the assistant director of education.
- Serve as a resource to NAC social workers/case managers, as well as, to caregivers and youth in providing technical assistance and guidance with educational matters.
- Coordinate with early intervention and preschool special education service providers.
- Liaise with school staff and city agency officials and offices to ensure school/program compliance with federal, state and city laws and regulations.
- Work with teachers and service providers on matters of academic support and related services.
- Participate in NAC case conferences, school visits, classroom observations, and IFSP/IEP meetings among other meetings, as necessary.
- Assist with and/or facilitate NAC-based programs, presentations, and workshops.
- Collaborate on grant reporting and application opportunities.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field.
- At least one year of relevant experience; 3 years’ experience preferred.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with federal, state, and city special education and early intervention laws and regulations.
- Knowledge of child development.
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills; strong organizational skills.
- Knowledge of and/or experience with the New York City public school system and/or early learning centers and service providers a plus.
- Proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
- Salary Range: Based on Experience
