Educational Advocacy Specialist

The Education Specialist serves as a vital liaison between healthcare providers, patients, families, and school systems to ensure children with medical, cognitive, or developmental conditions receive appropriate educational support. This position is responsible for assessing the academic impact of medical diagnoses, facilitating communication with schools, and advocating for educational accommodations and services. Through direct interaction with families, collaboration with educators, and participation in care planning, the Education Specialist helps ensure that each child's medical and educational needs are aligned to support their academic success and well-being. Essential Job Statement Meet with patients and families in person or by phone to identify and assess school-related challenges and educational needs. Request and review academic records from schools to gather relevant information that supports educational advocacy and planning. Participate in virtual school meetings with families and educational teams to communicate medical information that informs educational decisions and supports individualized learning plans. Based on recommendations from clinical providers. Administer educational assessments, including cognitive and academic achievement tests, to evaluate learning profiles and identify support needs. Collaborate with clinical provider to write medically informed letters to schools that align patients' diagnoses with appropriate educational accommodations and services. Coordinate return-to-school support by checking in with families and schools to address barriers and ensure a successful academic transition Prepare medical documentation and guidance for students transitioning to college to support their unique healthcare and academic needs. Maintain accurate and timely records of all school interactions, testing results, and documentation shared Develop communication strategies and documentation templates to streamline provider-to-school communication. Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments as required. Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years) Employment Qualifications Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Education from an accredited program Education Preferred: Master's degree in Education from an accredited program Independent Licensing/ Certification Licensure Required: Professional license with endorsement In Special Education, K-12 from the Virginia Board of Education Licensure Preferred: N/A Minimum Qualifications Years and Type of Required Experience: Previous experience with special education regulations, IEPs and transition plans. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clinic staff, school divisions, to include private school programs, and community representatives. Regular, predictable attendance on site, and ability to take calls while away from the facility. Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Experience with assessment and evaluation of students with chronic illness and disabilities. Working Conditions: Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * * Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control. Physical Requirements Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Bending Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards Physical Requirements: Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder Hazards: Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to high pitched noises Mental/Sensory - Emotional Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall, Reasoning, Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical Thinking Emotional: Fast-paced environment, Steady Pace, Able to Handle Multiple priorities, Frequent and intense Customer Interactions, Noisy Environment, Able to Adapt to Frequent Change Days EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran/41 CFR 60-1.4. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems