Education Specialist – Elementary

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an award-winning not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving children and families with medical complexities, chronic illnesses, and disabilities throughout the five boroughs. To assist in achieving this mission, NAC is currently seeking a Education Specialist - Elementary to join its NAC Futures Team.

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an innovative and interdisciplinary child welfare and social services agency that provides essential support to families with at least one family member who has a disability and/or chronic medical condition. Children and their families enter into NAC's services through the city's foster care system, preventive services, or by way of community referral. All of our clients have access to a wide array of services including intensive, multi-faceted support for children's educational needs.

As such, NAC is looking for a creative problem solver to join a fun, hardworking team as an Education Specialist for elementary aged clients who will support families from NAC who participate in community-based support programs in wide-ranging school/schooling related matters. Additionally, the Education Specialist will assist in the development and delivery of opportunities related to the promotion of caregivers and student self-advocacy and empowerment.

• Title of Position: Education Specialist - Elementary
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000
• Location: 825 7th Avenue, New York, NY, 10019
• Department/Program: NAC Futures

Responsibilities

• Primary responsibility is to support NAC families in accessing appropriate educational and developmental support and services.
• Participate in the creation of service plans with specific goals and objectives for youth and family.
• Liaise with school staff and city agency officials and offices to ensure school/program compliance with federal, state and city laws and regulations.
• Work with teachers and service providers on matters of academic support and related services. Participate in NAC case conferences, school visits, classroom observations, and IEP meetings among other meetings, as necessary.
• Serve as a resource to NAC social workers/case and care managers, as well as, to caregivers and youth in providing technical assistance and guidance with educational matters.
• Collaborate with colleagues within the education department and with colleagues from other departments including medical and mental health staff, transportation, and recreation so as to share best practices and problem solve.
• Assist with and/or facilitate NAC-based programming for youth and family, presentations to staff, and educational workshops.
• Collaborate on grant reporting and application/funding opportunities.
• Manage caseload data
• Prompt submission of progress and case notes
• Willingness to travel throughout NYC, as needed

Required Education And Experience

• Master's degree in education, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field
• Bachelor's Degree with 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and City regulations regarding provision of special education and general education services.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with the New York City public school system a plus.

Required Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral skills.
• Strong interpersonal and engaging communication skills

Desired Skills And Qualities

• Proficiency in Spanish
• Fast learner
• Patient
• Empathetic
• Strong work ethic

For information on New Alternatives for Children, Inc., visit our website at www.nackidscan.org

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. New Alternatives for Children, Inc. was founded on the principle of inclusion. We strive to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace at all levels. It is not enough to serve; we must strive to dismantle oppressive policies and practices. Equal Opportunity Statement

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. was founded on the principle of inclusion. We strive to create and maintain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace at all levels. It is not enough to serve; we must strive to dismantle oppressive policies and practices. Please read our full DEIB Statement here.

Impact

Every day, NAC's team of social workers, nurses, doctors, therapists, education specialists, van drivers, and so many more, make a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. Watch our video below to meet the youth and families whose lives have been changed because of NAC's work.