Job Description

Our organization is looking to hire an experienced Education Specialist to work on a Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) funded program. The program's primary function is to hold school districts accountable for the progressive educational improvement of foster youth in the County of Los Angeles. These services ensure youth's educational needs and rights under the supervision of DCFS, either voluntarily or by court jurisdiction, are addressed and that they receive and have access to academic assistance, educational resources, programs, services, and benefits.

The successful candidate will manage one DCFS site referral system, collaborate with DCFS, County Social Worker's (CSW's), and LA County school systems. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Education Specialist will be responsible for site reporting and meeting or exceeding performance targets. He or she will be in charge of managing referrals, services, and database entries for the DCFS office assigned. The desired applicant shall have experience working with LAUSD or similar school systems. We are looking for a problem solver and team player. We seek a candidate who will support our mission and the goals of the Education Specialist Service program.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Including, but not limited to):

• Manage the referral system at the DCFS office assigned.
• Input information into both the agency and DCFS database.
• Provide CSW’s, authorized DCFS staff, parents, caregivers, youth, ERH, and school personnel with services to assist any Foster Youth and 241.1 Youth that are referred.
• Provide educational services and advocate for the educational needs and rights of Foster and 241.1 Youth.
• Provide assistance and resources for children and youth in the process of being suspended or expelled, or relocated from school by opportunity transfer.
• Provide assistance and resources for children and youth having one or more school transfers due to placement changes and needing partial credit towards graduation based on satisfactorily completed coursework at prior schools.
• Provide assistance and resources for children and youth reported to have school issues or are at academic risk, in need of educational intervention, require the collection of education records, and/or need an educational assessment.
• Provide assistance for youth who need immediate enrollment in school or need to remain in the School-of-Origin (SOO).
• Provide assistance and resources for children and youth needing intervention for IEP’s, special education, and/or after school services. 
• Ensure (County Social Workers (CSW’s), parents, caregivers, youth, ERH, and authorized DCFS staff receive appropriate services and resources for the benefit and academic success of children under DCFS supervision, including WIC 241.1 youth throughout the County of Los Angeles.
• Maintain current with all new education codes and laws specific to youth in Delinquency Care and has knowledge of AB 490, specifically the 12 critical provisions to the Act and how each provision will benefit a child in foster care and WIC 241.1 students, some of which were expanded by later laws including AB 81, AB 12, AB 1933, SB 1353, AB 7809, SB 578, AB 1573, SB 121, SB 1088, SB 1568, the Federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 and the Federal Uninterrupted Scholars Act, AB 643, AB 167/216, and AB 2276.
• Assist County Social Workers (CSW’s), parents, caregivers, youth, Education Rights Holder (ERH), and authorized DCFS staff to navigate the educational system in Los Angeles County. 
• Assist school sites with navigation of DCFS.
• Travel throughout the County when necessary to attend meetings or to deliver services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, with an academic concentration in Education, psychology, counseling, child development, or a closely related field and a minimum of five years’ experience working with foster youth.

Meet one of the following minimum requirements regarding education credentials or education-related work experience either as an employee, contractor, or both:

1. Option 1: A valid California Teaching credential with at least three consecutive years of full-time experience within the last five years.

2. Option 2: Have held a professional position as an Education Consultant/Specialist providing services equivalent to the services such as (school enrollment, overturn expulsions and suspensions, decrease Opportunity Transfers, proper school placements, special education assessments, advocate at IEP meetings, review California Standardized Test scores, assist with determining if youth qualifies for AB 167/216 graduation option, credit recovery work and request for records) for two consecutive years within the last five years.

3. Option 3: A current California Administrative Credential that has been in effect for at least three consecutive years; and two consecutive years of experience as an education administrator, teacher, counselor, or providing services equivalent or similar to the services described in Statement of Work.

4. Option 4: A Master’s degree in the field of Education with at least three consecutive years of experience within the last five years as an administrator, psychologist, or counselor in a school setting.

5. Option 5: A valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a Child Welfare and Attendance Specialty.

• Have knowledge of the Education Code, Welfare and Institutions Code relating to education issues, and any legislative changes impacting the Education of foster children.
• Have demonstrated knowledge of Special Education laws and regulations, including an ability to advocate for foster children who need special education services.
• Must have knowledge of Assembly Bill 490 (California, January 1, 2004), specifically the 12 critical provisions to the Act and how each provision will benefit a child in foster and WIC 241.1 students.
• Must have experience working with children and young adults, families in need, and culturally diverse populations.
• Must have knowledge of the Federal and State Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ensuring all youth with disabilities has access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes Special Education and related services designed to meet each student’s unique needs.
• Have the use of a computer, laptop or tablet, cell phone, and the ability to access the Internet.
• Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English to conduct business with the County. 
• Possess personal qualities of integrity and a strong commitment and passion for Divinity Prophet’s mission and goals.

NOTE: APPLICANTS SHALL BE ABLE TO PASS FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE, OBTAIN FIRST AID AND CPR CERTIFICATION, PASS TB/HEALTH SCREENING, AND POSE A DRIVER'S LICENSE, CURRENT VEHICLE REGISTRATION, AND REQUIRED LIABILITY INSURANCE. MUST SUBMIT VERIFICATION OF DEGREE, CERTIFICATION, AND EDUCATIONAL LICENSES.

SALARY:

The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

Company Description

Divinity Prophet and Associates is a 501(c) (3) organization serving the community in a variety of capacities since 2009. At Divinity Prophet, we are committed to meeting the needs of the youth and communities we serve. We strive to create partnerships with our clients and community members. Our mission is to help prevent potential homelessness of youth exiting the Foster System by providing transitional housing, reentry assistance other critical supportive services.