Job Description

Education Specialist
Requisition #: req15837
Location: Paw Paw, MI
Hours: Full-time (40 hrs/week)
Salary Range: $22-$23/hour
At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul.
As an Education Specialist, you will be an advocate for the academic and personal success of youth. Your role will focus on guiding youth through their educational journey, supporting the development of independent living skills, and nurturing their emotional well-being.
You will work closely with foster families to create a stable and encouraging environment that promotes learning and growth. By building strong partnerships with caregivers, educators, and community resources, you will ensure that each youth receives the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively document youth education progress;
• Effectively communicate with resident's school to ensure consistent educational progress;
• Maintain clear records of youth attendance and participation in class and report out to the assigned Case Manager;
• Maintain communication with collateral resources as indicated by client needs and supervision;
• Provide educational materials for residents in the home to use;
• Conduct assessment and matching of mentors with mentees;
• Conduct case recordings in compliance with state licensing standards and DHS standards;
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective service coordination within the program;
• Stay abreast of and solicit community resources;
• May be required to work nights, weekend and holidays;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's level degree in Human Services, Recreation Therapy, Education, or equivalent from an accredited college;
• Previous work experience in community education and/or child welfare;
• Previous work experience with refugees and minority families, a plus;
• Must have an ability to complete the 40 hours of annual training;
• Must possess knowledge of the U.S. public school system;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills with cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Must possess knowledge of current recreation therapy principles, therapeutic interventions, and group counseling techniques;
• Must have an ability to be mature and reflect stable judgement;
• Have an ability to pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline hepatitis immunization;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver's license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seeking an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.

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Skills Required