Education Specialist - New Westminster, Canada - Aunt Leah's Place

Aunt Leah's Place
Aunt Leah's Place
Verified Company
New Westminster, Canada

1 month ago

Sophia Lee

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Sophia Lee

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Description
Education Specialist


Job Summary:


Create new culture and norms within the foster care community and beyond - that foster children can have success in their educational careers.

Aunt Leah's Education Specialist works one-on-one with youth in and from government care on their plan for high school graduation and beyond.


In addition, an Education Specialist will take on an advocacy role with schools, social workers, youth, as well as community partners (internally within Aunt Leah's different programming or externally with other community partners) to resolve difficult issues and remove barriers to foster school success.

The Education Specialist may also provide short-term life skills and/or collaborative support with internal/external partners to assist youth in overcoming barriers that prevent them from having educational success.

You'll work with all of Aunt Leah's programs to ensure wrap-around supports are in place for youth in and from care.


Qualifications:

  • Minimum 2 years postsecondary education in Social Sciences, Social Worker, Child & Youth Care, and/or a related combination of education/ experience
  • 1 year of experience working with youth in or from government care
  • Advocacy background and training

Skills and Knowledge:

  • Communication (Verbal & Written); Analytical skill and Research ability
  • Flexibility/Adaptability in managing multiple priorities
  • Interpersonal Abilities & Team Work Skills
  • Problem-Solving/Reasoning/Creativity
  • Crisis Management/Conflict resolution skills
  • Planning/Organizing & Budgeting Skills
  • Knowledge of the BC high school system and postsecondary education options
  • Knowledge of resources available specifically for foster youth in/from care
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to follow and implement program policies and procedures
  • Computer/Technical Literacy
  • Reporting Writing and Documentation
  • Experience in foundational literacy/numeracy tutoring would be an asset

Requirements:


  • Undergo & maintain Criminal Record Check and Local Police Check
  • Standard First Aid
  • A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
  • Produce a clear Driver's Abstract
  • Proof of vehicle business insurance and $5 million liability
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent
  • Advocacy training/experience
  • Agrees to the Society's Code of Ethics
  • Other certifications as required by individual programs

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Direct Service
  • Work with youth to create their own plan for high school graduation and beyond
  • Build youth's problemsolving and selfadvocacy skills; support youth to navigate on their journey to reengage with education
  • Connect to resources, like tutoring and college and career preparation, including career cruising software or equivalent
  • Build and support the team for each youth, including caregivers, social workers and school teachers, counselors, community support workers, and any other significant individuals in their lives
  • Resolve education barriers specific to foster youth: school transitions, special education needs, disciplinary actions, and obtaining transcripts as needed
  • Complete tracking information of SEFFY participants concurrently involved in multiple Aunt Leah's programs (e.g., Branches AYA Lifeskill program, Bootstraps Employment program for young adults, Link program, etc.); liaise with appropriate staff from other programs to provide wraparound support for participants
  • Liaise with United for Literacy (Formerly Frontier College) and facilitate inhouse tutoring or educationrelated sessions provided by Frontier College tutors/volunteers
  • Educationrelated workshop facilitation as needed
  • Provide outreach support and other needed support services to participants as directed

Advocacy:

  • Help students access educationrelated support services, including special education and/or accessibility services
  • Identify and refer SEFFY participants who can benefit from additional internal programming supports (e.g., Branches AYA Lifeskill program, Bootstraps Employment program, Link program, wellness support with Dan's Legacy, etc.) or external sources in the community
  • Maintain connection with external referring agencies/internal programs to ensure a continuum of support in place for participants
  • Knowledgeable and updated on educational opportunities within the various Ministries (MCFD, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Advanced Education, Ministry of Social Development, etc.)
  • Researches Post-Secondary programs as well as funding resources, and develops connections and networks on behalf of Aunt Leah's that will benefit the youth people served (includes bursaries, grants, and scholarships)
  • Train caregivers, social workers, and students themselves to advocate for students' educational rights
  • Prevent school changes when students' placements change and pave the way for seamless transitions when school changes are unavoidable
  • Minimize the effects of disciplinary
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