Program Services Specialist (00004859)

at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Information

Working Position Title
 Program Services Specialist (00004859)
Classification
 Program Services Specialist
Position Number
 00004859
Open Date
 07/26/2024
Close Date
 08/08/2024
Priority Review Date
Employee Class
 Staff
Full-Time/Part Time
 Full-Time
FTE
 1.00
Position Status
 Regular
FLSA
 Exempt
Job code
 4774
Union Representation
 Non-Union
Union Code 
 N/A
Unit/Department
 Ctr Child Welfare & Education
College/Unit
 P20 Initiatives Network
Division
 Outreach Engagemt Regl Dev Dv
Location
 MONAT 237
Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page
 https://ccwe.niu.edu/
Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview
This position will be working out of Peoria. This position is a Contract Appointment.

The Education Advisor provides problem resolution, subject matter expertise, advocacy, and guidance for educational wellbeing of children and youth in foster care (youth in care). The education advisor possesses extensive knowledge and skills that help youth navigate the complex network of education (general and special education) and child welfare. The education advisor also serves as education resource for youth in care, caregivers, child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel, Guardian ad Litem (GAL), court personnel, etc.

Position Summary
This position will be working out of Peoria. This position is a Contract Appointment.

The education advisor is responsible for providing the following:

Educational technical assistance to resolve individual youth issues
Planning for youth's educational needs to be identified and addressed
Interdisciplinary training to build capacity in the field for meeting educational needs of youth in care
Partnership development between and among educational institutions, child welfare agencies, and other organizations that impact youth in care
Systems intervention and strategic planning
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Educational Planning for Youth - The education advisor is responsible for educational planning to ensure youths' needs are met. They use their educational expertise in the development of plans and services that directly affect the youth served.
Engages in planning to ensure appropriate educational services for youth
Develops intervention plans to address behaviors that mitigate school engagement and educational achievement
Provides strategic education planning for youth relocating to new schools and/or school districts
Develops and coordinates appropriate education plans for children and youth transitioning from one education level to another (preschool, elementary, secondary and post-secondary)
Advocates for youth's best educational interests in school planning teams, such as Individualized Education Programs, 504 Plans, etc.
Provides educational expertise in non-school planning teams such as CIPP, child and family teams, etc.
Provides other guidance and recommendations to navigate educational issues and develop appropriate plans

Educational Technical Assistance for Individuals -- The education advisor is responsible for providing educational technical assistance to resolve issues individual youth in care face. The education advisor also guides caregivers, youth in care, education personnel, child welfare professionals in DCFS and Purchase of Service (P0S) agencies, POS education liaisons, court personnel, community agencies in their roles in the intervention and resolution of educational issues.
Resolves issues that affect the education of individual youth involved within the Illinois foster care system
Provides consultation on handling educational issues
Provides direction, support and resources in assessing and dealing with the youths' educational needs to youth, caregivers and professionals including: child welfare caseworkers and administrators, school and district personnel (teachers, administrators, social workers, etc.), CASA, GAL, POS education liaisons, attorneys, community providers, etc.

Developing Collaboration Across Systems - The Education Advisors initiates, fosters, promotes and sustains collaborations internally and externally with individuals across various disciplines, agencies and organizations. They are responsible for building collaborations between and among caregivers, schools, school districts, agencies... For full info follow application link.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.