7/1/2026
Educational Specialist
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Educational Specialist supports the Program Director in the development and oversight of the education and life skills program lanes by coordinating programming, supervising the Paraeducator, and providing direct support to residents and staff. This position focuses on academic coordination, life skills programming, and collaboration with school districts and community partners to enhance resident success.
Reports to: Program Director
Receives direction as needed from Executive Director, Finance Director or Resident Care Director
RESPONSIBILITIESPROGRAM & COLLABORATION
- Collaborate with the Program Director in developing the education and life skills program lanes.
- Work closely with the administration team to support cross-department collaboration and communication.Create and distribute monthly internal newsletters to support staff and resident recognition initiatives as it pertains to life skills & education.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with school districts, community agencies, volunteers, educational vendors, and other organizations to enhance resident educational opportunities.
EDUCATION COORDINATION
- Coordinate educational programming for residents, including virtual and in-person school options.
- Manage academic enrollment and discharge processes in collaboration with partnering school districts.
- Collaborate with the Paraeducator, Program Director, and Social Service Worker to develop and update residents' Education Orientation Plans and Education Plans.
- Create and implement academic pacing guides and earning charts to support timely coursework completion.
- Monitor resident progress, prepare progress reports, and facilitate meetings with residents and the Paraeducator.
- Provide on-the-floor educational support and tutoring services as needed, in collaboration with the Paraeducator and partnering school districts.
- Coordinate schedules to ensure consistent on the floor educational coverage by either the Educational Specialist or Paraeducator.
- Communicate directly with foster care workers and MDHHS personnel regarding residents' educational progress.
- Support residents and staff in using educational technology and virtual learning platforms.
- Ensure compliance with referring agencies & Prism Project policies & procedures (e.g., MDHHS Foster Care Education Policy, MDHHS Contract, Prism Project Policies & Procedures, etc).
- Secure educational materials and resources for residents.
- Assist with planning and facilitating monthly educational field trips and educational breaks.
- Maintain staff and resident calendars related to educational programming, ensuring important dates and updates are communicated.
- Maintain educational records and program data in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
PARAEDUCATOR SUPERVISION
- Supervise the Paraeducator, including scheduling, leave approvals, coaching, workload management, performance feedback, and evaluations.
- Facilitate weekly check-in meetings with the Paraeducator.
- Complete evaluations in a timely manner in accordance with compliance requirements.
LIFE SKILLS COORDINATION
- Collaborate with the Program Director in developing, facilitating and maintaining documentation in the life skills curriculum and weekly meetings.
- Partner with the Program Director and Social Service Worker to develop and update individualized life skills plans for residents.
- Maintain staff and resident calendars related to life skills programming.
STAFF TRAINING
- Facilitate staff training related to educational and life skills programming.
- Support the staff orientation process, including contributing to select training modules in collaboration with the Program Director.
- Assist in revising and updating orientation content to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Submit weekly reports to the Program Director.
- Maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, professional publications, networking, and professional organizations.
- Participate in quarterly reviews and other quality improvement administrative tasks as needed.
- Demonstrate commitment to the vision, mission, core values, policies and procedures, and training models of Prism Project.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in education or human services required.
- Knowledge of the K-12 public education system strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to learn new programs as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to form and maintain positive relationships with at-risk teens, staff, and community partners.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to solve problems, make decisions, and remain calm during crisis situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, positive working relationships, and appropriate conflict resolution.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
- Appropriately use the proper chain of command when communicating or addressing concerns.
- Be a positive role model for youth and coworkers while promoting a positive work environment.
- Must be willing to give and receive constructive feedback for professional development.
- Possess good work ethic and integrity.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work without supervision.
- Must have reliable transportation, a valid Michigan driver's license, and valid vehicle insurance.
- Position may require driving in a personal vehicle and/or agency vehicle to alternative locations such as offsite meetings, and events.
- Participate in all training and continuing education required by Prism Project's regulatory agencies.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet program and project deadlines.
- Requires communication by telephone, written correspondence, and in-person with state agency personnel, interagency personnel, and other related entities.
- Ability to utilize trauma-informed and relationship-based interventions.
- Ability to analyze educational data and develop improvement strategies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to maintain a stationary position 50% of the time; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; position oneself to maintain files; and communicate and exchange information and ideas so others will understand.
- The employee frequently is required to stand and occasionally move to access supplies and other people on site.
- The employee must regularly move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 50 pounds.
- The employee must possess the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet).
- Must be able to safely transport residents in agency vehicles and respond appropriately during behavioral crises, emergencies, and community outings.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Education:
Ability to Commute:
- Genesee County, MI (Required)
Work Location: In person
