Engagement Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Engagement Specialist

Opportunity Now is a program of the XP Synergy Companies. The Engagement Specialist plays a key role in Opportunity Now’s student behavioral support and mentoring programs. Using strength-based approaches with a trauma-informed lens, specialists are primarily responsible for working with identified students to minimize unbecoming behaviors and help to develop positive outcomes to productivity. 

Under the direction of the Director of Adult Services, Program Manager, Program Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist will incorporate lessons from the Opportunity Now contextualized curriculum, which allows participants to develop necessary life skills, introduce career options, and expose student to post-secondary options. Specialists provide participants with dynamic, interactive support opportunities in group, classroom, and individual settings. This job offers full-time hours. Support times normally occur during traditional school hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, social work or other related field preferred.
• At least 1 year of human development, social services, or teaching experience.
• Possess a high level of patience and problem-solving skills.
• Independent, creative, self-starter who exhibits good judgment.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Highly organized and works well with others.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Pay and Perks

• $25 hour / 10 month position
• Paid time off (holidays, vacation & sick leave)
• Opportunity to work with a progressive and innovative leadership team.
• Opportunity for potential growth in the company
• Use of company computer

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain safe and engaging learning environments, where students are provided with a balance of support and structure.
• Apply strength-based approaches with a trauma-informed lens to mentor participants academically and emotionally. Mediate, problem-solve, and coordinate individual services for clients to help them overcome barriers to being a successful student and promote positive behavior change.
• Monitor barriers to students' active participation and engagement in the classroom, including those related to complex issues in their physical or social environment.
• Provide students with academic assistance as needed when academic and/or behavior issues arise.

• Monitor and report students’ attendance benchmarks and progress through a participant observation tool. Report any individual student issues on a weekly basis.
• Follow established policies and procedures for maintaining the integrity of the program with quality support, student discipline, classroom maintenance, safety, behavior management and the security of all individuals and supplies at their disposal.
• Work collaboratively with management and administrative staff to set high and measurable goals for student achievement.
• Adapt mentoring style and strategies to maximize student learning and retention.
• Provide students with professional one-on-one feedback regarding their performance in school including behavior, grades, and attendance.
• Attend all relevant meetings (supervision, staff meetings, case conference sessions, curriculum development, trainings and workshops, etc.)
• Accurately complete and submit monthly reports and attendance sheets to Program Designee by the last class day of each month.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel; coordinate and monitor student progress throughout the school year.
• Develop a personalized intervention and prevention plan for behavior and academic change.
• Conduct one on one session with students where the Engagement Specialist will engage in appropriate discussion to encourage mutual dialogue, as well as utilize the check and connect to teach the student intervention and prevention skills that will address those consistent behaviors that lead to their troubles. 

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work with a variety of populations, including at-risk youth and adults, and individuals with disabilities.
• Strong dedication to their work with a great desire for the success of their students.
• Critical thinking skills with the ability to answer subjective questions and solve conflicts.
• Ability to observe and evaluate student's performance and development.
• Knowledge and implementation of relevant technology. 
• Must be able to practice learning agility. 
• Must be able to take initiative. 
• Microsoft proficient in (Word, Excel)

Physical and Mental

• School assignment travel required.
• Regularly required to sit, prolonged standing, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, and other office equipment.
• Work in a classroom environment engaging with multiple personality types in conjunction with cultural differences and learning styles.
• Work with a variety of populations, including at-risk youth and adults, and individuals with disabilities.
• Be Open to Off-Topic Conversations at proper times for discussion and building a rapport with students (ex. Politics, Current Events, Life) 

Job Type: 

Full-time