Educational Support Specialist (Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred)

Youth For Tomorrow is a 501 (c) (3) and a faith based, non-profit organization, founded in 1986 by Hall of Fame Football Coach Joe Gibbs. The organization is large, diverse, experienced and committed to serving at-risk youth.

Benefits

YFT offers competitive pay, continuing education, and ongoing training. We offer a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees such as medical, dental, vision, group life insurance, and up to a 5% retirement match. We also offer supplemental insurance such as life, short-term disability, critical illness, accident insurance and legal resources. We have 9 paid holidays and personal time off accruals.

Summary

The Education Support Specialist provides supervision, academic support, and behavioral guidance to students during school hours and transitions. During school closures, breaks, and teacher workdays, this position assumes Residential Counselor responsibilities, ensuring the safety, supervision, and well-being of residents in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.

Salary Range:  $22 - $25 per hour 

(Bilingual Spanish/English Preferred)

Primary Responsibilities

A.  Classroom Support (School Days)

• Monitor students inside and outside of the classroom, including lunch, assemblies, between classes, and during transitions.
• Review and reinforce lesson materials with individual students or small groups.
• Collaborate with the teachers to create and maintain a positive, structured, and safe learning environment.
• Participate in education-related training and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and address students’ academic and behavioral needs.

B.  Residential Responsibilities (School Closures, Breaks, and Teacher Workdays)

• Oversee physical care of YFT residents.
• Development of acceptable habits and attitudes for YFT residents.
• Management of resident behavior.
• Assist in meeting the goals and objectives of any required service plan.
• Responsible for the guidance and supervision of the residents/children to whom assigned.
• Responsible for the coordinated supervision of the residents, including but not limited to continued awareness and ability to give an account of each resident's location upon request.
• Confirm census count received from prior on-duty staff prior to assuming floor responsibilities. Census count must be agreed upon prior to shift departure.
• Maintain shift coverage until the next shift is securely in position.  If House Parents/Coordinators are not on duty, a full report is to be given to incoming staff, which may take up to 15 minutes, even after the end of the shift.
• Confirm the status and location of assigned residents every 15 minutes, every shift.
• Maintain supervision of residents by being awake and alert at all times. Sleeping while working on the clock is prohibited
• Maintain consistent structure, supervision, and program regulations 24/7.
• Completely and accurately document any required forms, particularly the daily log.  This is to be completed prior to the end of the shift.
• Perform waive testing on residents after home visits, AWOL, and as needed with complete accuracy and compliance.
• Attend all training mandated by YFT and continuously pursue training opportunities to meet standards set forth.
• All duties and responsibilities will support meeting the structured program of care outlined in DSS state standards (DSS: 22 VAC 40-151-720).
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

Required Trainings:

All Mandatory training required by license agencies, government agencies, and YFT

• High School Diploma or General Education Development Certificate (G.E.D.) and a minimum of one year of experience working with children AND
• Must enroll in and successfully complete the assigned training and Certification Program for development in our milieu of care.
• Must be at least 21 years of age in accordance with state regulations and standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the YFT mission and values.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with residents, earn their respect, support their development, and actively participate in their individualized treatment programs.
• Ability to facilitate and support constructive resident-family visitation and resident involvement in community activities;
• Ability to provide services in a culturally and linguistically competent manner;
• Demonstrated ability to work with children and youth across multiple age groups, including those with special needs or behavioral challenges.
• Ability to accurately collect, review, and analyze waive testing results following home visits, AWOL incidents, and as required.
• Ability to work effectively with the treatment team and other internal and external stakeholders;
• Commitment to ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.
• Ability to maintain a structured, stable, and therapeutic environment.
• Ability to remain awake, alert, and fully engaged throughout all assigned shifts.
• Ability to consistently maintain safety, security, and program structure at all times.
• Ability to uphold program integrity and independently manage responsibilities in the absence of House Parent or House Coordinator leadership.
• Valid driver’s license meeting organizational insurance requirements preferred

Core Competencies: 

• Ability to communicate effectively with frontline employees and up to the YFT Chief Executive Officer. 
• Ability to make decisions quickly, confidently, and independently.
• Ability to delegate and manage tasks of direct reports and house coordinators.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with residents, parents, staff, auditors, and licensing agents as well as local and multi-state governments. 
• Knowledge of VA DSS and VA DBHDS programs, initiatives, and systems.