Education Specialist

Applying For: Job Summary: This is a professional position that is primarily responsible for advocating for the educational needs of children involved in the dependency system and to lead education initiatives geared toward improving educational outcomes. Essential Functions: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with HFC customers and community stakeholders Follow Florida Statute, Florida Administrative Code, policies and procedures Follow the non-consensus process for educational placement changes when a unanimous decision cannot be reached by all parties. Work in collaboration with local school district partners, case managers, Guardian ad Litem, caregivers and other partners to help advocate for the educational needs of children in the dependency system Participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team staffings and be a subject matter expert regarding children’s education and cover the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements when needed during these staffings Schedule and facilitate ESSA staffings within 72 hours of request Provide training to school district staff, case management staff, foster/adoptive parents and other community partners to improve communication, collaboration and educational outcomes for children in child welfare Assist with educational initiatives, including execution of the interagency agreement, education related legislation, and facilitating interagency education workgroups Act as a single point of contact for School District partners, foster parents, case managers and other stakeholders in regard to educational issues Responsible for tracking and analyzing education data and help to identify processes for improvement Reviews and prioritizes educational inquiries to identify appropriate response and tracking of data elements Participate in statewide education and prevention initiatives. Work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position and agency, which may include some evening and weekend hours. Perform special projects as assigned Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work or related field. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of two years of experience working with children and families. Experience working in child protective investigations/protective services preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills a must. Strong facilitation skills and child advocacy skills a plus. Benefits: We offer excellent benefits package with tuition assistance, domestic partner coverage, retirement & generous paid time off. Additional Information: Drug free workplace. Drug testing required. EOE/M/F/D/V. Heartland for Children (HFC) does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or any category protected by law. HFC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so creates an undue hardship for the organization. Heartland for Children is a community-based care lead agency contracted with the Department of Children and Families. © 2024 Heartland for Children. All rights reserved. 1239 E. Main Street Bartow, Florida 33830 View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Heartland East