Education Coordinator

The Education Coordinator provides educational supportive services to both the families staying in the Family Residence and the families umbrellaed under our Community Supportive Housing programs. The coordinators complete initial assessments to determine the level of education support a family needs upon intake. With that information and familial input, an education plan, goals, and milestones are set for the family (both for the adults and children alike). The coordinator develops a plan – which mounts strategically within the family’s full-scope service plan. The coordinator works closely with the family to help achieve and/or move consistently toward the goals set forth in the plan. It is also the responsibility of the Education Coordinator to aid families’ youth in maintaining consist enrollment in school during the transition of homelessness. The EC also participates in staff meetings, staff supervision, case conferences and trainings. It is imperative that this essential staff member builds a trusting and cooperative relationship with the families they serve. While the primary focus of FFP is next step housing, our team is committed to assisting the “whole-person” and “whole-family” unit in achieving milestones and goals set forth within the initial planning.  The Education Coordinator is a part of a team that aims to wrap around the family unit, while maintaining the highest practical level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and quality of life for the participants.  

All the positions within Family Forward Philadelphia (FFP) are expected to exemplify the Core Values of agency. We will all work as a team and within our individual roles to exude the values of Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of the Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, and Competence.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Youth Focused

·        Conducts an initial visit and educational needs assessment with incoming families (Family Shelter & Community Supportive Housing (CSH)

·        Maintain a master list of Families Forward children. This list includes the child's name, school, grade, date of parental consent signed, as well as basic information on attendance and academic performance. 

·        Ensure that qualified families in FFP receive all benefits entitled to them under the McKinney-Vento Act. This includes uniform vouchers and transportation to and from school.

·        Communicate with school staff to monitor students’ attendance and follow-up on students who struggle academically and or behaviorally. 

·        Research and coordinate enrollment for after-school and summer programs for school age children as needed.

·        Assist parents with enrolling eligible students in school (including into Pre-K and/or special admit schools).

·        Monitor grades of children via report cards and/or learning contracts with parents. 

·        Collect student data available from schools, online portals, parents, and other useful sources.

·        Identify students who are at risk, including those identified as having:

o  missed (or approaching) more than 10% of all full days of school

o  receive a “D” or below in a major subject or

o  suspended once or more during this school year

·        Intervene to help at risk children. This includes working with parents to help obtain IEPs for their children, communicating with parents and teachers to identify barriers to learning, and working to secure extra academic assistance for children.

·        Assist parents who believe their child(ren) need an IEP by advocating and meeting with school officials with parents (as needed)

·        Work with Education staff, Case Managers, Directors and Development Team to ensure programming for school age children during the school year when school is closed, utilizing volunteers and staff.

·        Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed

·        Work collaboratively with interns to ensure a well-rounded learning experience

·        Monitor and track SEPTA transpass administration on a weekly basis

·        Monitor and track uniform distribution and needs on a consistent basis

·        Consistently ensure an evolving literacy rich environment for the residents

·        All other duties as assigned

Adult Focused:

·       Help identify learning goals and gaps for adults

·        Help retrieve educational transcripts and/or diplomas for advancing education (or employment)

·        Connect to adult educational services (GED, post-secondary education opportunities, continuing education, etc.)

·        Connections and referrals to testing services (TABE)

·        Promote continuous improved literacy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• Knowledge of social services, child welfare and family systems services.
• Knowledge of the working with the Philadelphia School system (public, parochial, and charter)
• Must demonstrate empathy, compassion and respect for Families Forward Philadelphia participants, staff and volunteers
• Culturally sensitive to the needs and diversities of multi‐cultural communities.
• Ability to work independently and take the initiative to identify and address tasks without prompting.
• Highly organized, ability to multi-task, with excellent time management and prioritizing abilities.
• Able to demonstrate good judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• practices good customer service
• respectful to all involved,
• and courteous demeanor in all working relationships.
• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Must be accurate and detail oriented.

·        Proven ability to work independently and problem solve.

·        Desire to empower people to become their best selves

QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Minimum Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required 

·        Minimum 2 years social service experience         

o  Preferably with at-risk

o  Low -to-no income families

o  And/or Homelessness effected populations

·        Minimum of 2 years working within a school/education field

·        Must possess excellent written, oral and computer skills (Microsoft Suite 7.0 and higher)

·        Ability to work evenings and weekends

o  Ability to work a staggered scheduled to accommodate participants’ availability

·        Must possess a valid driver’s license, and pass all required clearances for employment

Families Forward Philadelphia is an EOE employer