Job Summary: If you are passionate about helping youth reach their educational goals, Aunt Leah’s has an opportunity for you! As an education specialist, you will 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 lifeskill and/or collaborative supports with internal/external partners to assist youth in overcoming barriers that prevent them from having educational success. The Education Specialist will work with all of Aunt Leah’s programs to ensure wrap around supports and services are in place for youth in and from care.
Qualifications:
Minimum 2 years post-secondary education in Social Sciences, Social Work, Child & Youth Care, and/or a related combination of education/ experience
1 year 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 BC high school system and post-secondary 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
Requirements:
Undergo & maintain Criminal Record 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 training and/or equivalent
Advocacy training/experience
Agrees to the Society’s Code of Ethics
Other certification 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 problem-solving and self-advocacy skills; support youth to navigate on their journey to re-engage 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 caregiver, social worker and school teachers, counselors, community support workers and any other significant individuals in their lives
Resolve educational 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 wrap around support for participants
Liaise with Frontier College and facilitate in house tutoring or education related sessions provided by Frontier College tutors/volunteers
Supports SEFFY Coordinator with keeping up to date on the latest news/resources on bursaries/grants/tuition fee waivers available for current and/or former youth in care; assist in sustaining Aunt Leah’s in house funding applications for education
Education-related workshop facilitation as needed
Provide outreach support and other needed support services to participants as directed
Rotating attendance at Essential Skills program workshop on Wednesday evenings ( post-pandemic measure)
Advocacy:
Help students access education-related 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 resources in the community.
Maintain connection with external referring agencies/internal programs to ensure continuum of supports in place for participants
Knowledgeable and up to date with educational opportunities within the various Ministries (Ministry of Children and Family Development 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 individuals we serve (includes bursaries, grants, 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 actions that keep students out of school
Assist high school youth in making up credits when necessary and identifying alternative high school programs to stay engaged and on track to graduate
Financial Responsibilities:
Ensures that expenses follow programming budget guidelines
Responsible for providing receipts petty cash used for participants
Health and Safety:
Ensures that drop in/resource area is clean and tidy and maintained to Health and Safety Standards
Participates in annual review of Aunt Leah’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures
Communication:
Attends meetings as required
Liaises and seeks direction from Supervisor in crisis situations
Attends Society Events as directed by supervisor
Follows Aunt Leah’s Policies and Procedures
Maintains documentation standards (direct service notes, individual educational plan and service agreements
Maintains educational information in accessible formats for youth participants
Confidentiality:
Communication between Education Specialist and youth is confidential
Education Specialist will follow Aunt Leah’s Society Policies and Procedures and Aunt Leah’s Code of Ethics (includes Child and Youth Care Association of BC Code of Ethics, Aunt Leah’s Privacy Policy, BC Rights of Youth in care & UN Rights of the Child)
On Call:
Participate in on call as scheduled
While on call, is able to support and attend as required
Work Environment:
This position requires some lifting of heavier objects
Hours of work: Full time (7.5 hours a day, 37.5 hours a week)
This position may require working some evenings and weekends and travel to various locations within Metro Vancouver, including working out of the main office in New Westminster and/or office in Vancouver, as well as some at home work due to pandemic measure.
This position may be required to perform other related duties that do not affect the nature of the work be performed
We offer: A comprehensive benefit package after 6 months of continuous employment that includes: dental, extended health care including vision care and prescription, RRSP after 1 year, personal time package, and employee discount at our Thrift Store.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications.
How to apply:
If you meet the qualifications listed and wish to work in a collaborative and supportive environment that offers ongoing professional development opportunities, please email your resume with a cover letter to: . You may also apply on our
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