Education & Vocational Specialist - NSP

The Educational/Vocational Specialist will provide activities that promote educational engagement and success for youth in both NSP Blum and Rose. As a significant part of the treatment team, the Educational/Vocational Specialist will assist in reenrolling youth and families in an appropriate school/vocational program, provide school advocacy, and offer support for developing academic, vocational, and job-related skills to promote self-sufficiency.

Title: Education & Vocational Specialist

Reports to: Director of Social Services

Location: 280 Shepherd Ave, Brooklyn, NY/ 280 Vermont St, Brooklyn. NY

Hours: 35 Hours; Non-Exempt. Monday- Friday, Flexible hours with the ability to work 12 pm to 8 pm two days a week.

Salary: $50,000 - $57,765 Annual Salary Range. Salary commensurate with relevant post graduate experience.

Major Duties

• Conduct individual assessments and develop educational plans during intake and at regular intervals to support youth academic success.
• Collaborate with the treatment team to design and implement coordinated, holistic service plans by participating in FTCs and weekly team meetings.
• Drive the (re)enrollment process by actively engaging youth, families, and the NSP team to secure placement in community schools or vocational programs.
• Monitor and document the academic progress of Good Shepherd services _NSP participants enrolled in District 79 – Passages Academy, ensuring timely and consistent follow-up and support.
• Visit Passages Academy twice a month to collaborate with the school staff and to observe, assess, monitor, and support the youth’s academic performance in the classroom.
• Lead the planning and execution of educational and vocational events and projects to promote youth engagement and development.
• Provide specialized support for youth and parents for students with special education needs, ensuring access to appropriate services, assessments, and accommodations.
• Facilitate weekly educational, vocational, and job-readiness groups for NSP participants to support skills for academic success.
• Identify and develop academic tutoring resources tailored to individual youth needs.
• Conduct ongoing individual meetings with youth and families to assess progress and provide guidance and refer them of long-term education resources in the community.
• Build and maintain educational/vocational resource networks, including college access, special education services, post-secondary training programs, paid internships and job training programs.
• Serve as liaison with the NYC Department of Education and ACS to advocate for youth educational needs.
• Develop and refer NSP participants to employment and internship opportunities, including SYEP, Work Learn and Grow, part-time, and full-time placements.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all activities, including intake, collateral contacts, referrals, contacts with youth, and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Engage in continuous communication and planning with the NSP teams (Rose and Blum) regarding educational and vocational goals, needs, and services.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff on the educational and vocational needs of youth participants.
• Advocate for youth and families in interactions with DOE, ACS, and other external partners.
• Utilize Sanctuary Model tools—such as safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, and red flag reviews—to foster a trauma-informed, non-violent culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to support a safe and healing environment.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF framework (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future) into daily practice to ensure quality care.
• Coordinate with Case Planners, Social Workers, and Youth Development Counselors on educational planning, and document all contacts and notes in Connections.
• Collaborate with the case planner to prepare educational reports/updates for court proceedings.
• Participate in NSP program events, including but not limited to trips, family night and recreation activities.
• Attend training as assigned by the supervisor to enhance professional development.
• Must be willing and able to utilize Safety Crisis Management if and when necessary

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree requires plus youth development experience and an understanding of the special needs of adolescents in care. Must have strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Prior experience working with the school system, as well as the ability to set up a network of community resources.
• Must be able to make home visits, escort youth to school, home, and other appointments.
• Must have a NYS driver’s license and be willing to help with transportation, as subject to program needs.
• Must be able to use public transportation, including subways or buses, when required to travel.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth development, and trauma-informed perspective.
• Must be a strong advocate and understand the obstacles of navigating educational systems