Education Specialist, Unaccompanied Children

Education Specialist, Unaccompanied Children

Requisition #: req12202

Location:  Kalamazoo, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As the Education Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for assisting youth in English as a Second Language (ESL) and the development of independent living skills while providing personal and emotional support as the youth graduate through the program. This individual will also be responsible for ensuring each youth in the program has healthy ongoing relationships and meets requirements for communication with program staff.

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

• Develop and facilitate ESL classes and study time activities for all youth within program;
• Effectively document youth education progress;
• Effectively communicate with resident's school to ensure consistent educational progress;
• Develop and implement life skills curriculum in alignment with program and agency expectations;
• 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;
• Provide and assess an English and Life Skills needs test for all newly arriving residents and at graduation;
• Conduct assessment and matching of mentors with mentees;
• Conduct case recordings in compliance with state licensing standards and DHS standards;
• Prepare and be involved in supervision with the Home Coordinator;
• Provide recommendations for treatment approaches and interventions in staff meetings, and conferences, while presenting formulations and behavioral observations regarding each resident's treatment;
• Attend staff meetings to ensure effective service coordination within the program;
• Stay abreast of and solicit community resources, when necessary;
• 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;
• Must be able to pass required medical examinations and have the physical ability to fulfill the essential job functions, including physical restraints of a resident;
• Successfully pass an annual TB test and document preference to receive or decline Hepatitis immunization;
• Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver'slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries; 
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases orthe willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption; 
• Subscription to andintegration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.