Education Specialist

Mission Statement

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough is committed to working with the community to protect children and preserve families.

General Purpose of Job

The purpose of the Education Specialist role is to ensure that appropriate educational services are provided and upheld for all children within the Hillsborough County system of care. This role will serve as the subject matter expert and liaison between the school system and system of care providers to ensure the educational needs and requirements for all youth are being upheld. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in implementation of quality management systems
  • Monitoring process will begin in July to June of every year
  • Participate in all Child Safety reviews per year.
  • Perform any other activities as needed by the CNHC
  • Participate in specialized service provider program monitoring as needed
  • Implement and maintain Quality Improvement systems to:
  • Review existing policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with Federal, State, Region and Local laws/mandates/policies/procedures as well as the agency’s SOC
  • Maintain electronic/hard copy files of all approved policies and procedures relating to assigned program areas
  • Stay current with Federal and State Laws, rules and best practices

• Training
  • Participate in all certification / training necessary for the fulfillment of job responsibilities
  • Attend at least one approved conference annually
  • Assure that best practices are being implemented
  • Identify SOC training needs and resources
  • Coordinate training with Training Specialist

• Technical Assistance
  • Identify technical assistance needs
  • Provide technical assistance on federal and state laws, rules, and programmatic and procedural issues
  • Provide programmatic expertise in efforts to locate missing children, descriptive narratives, agencies and resources available, prevention initiatives, recovery interview techniques

• Team Meetings
  • Participate in Case Management Organization Team Meetings and others relevant to area of expertise
  • Provide performance report and assessment of improvement initiatives

• Role of the Education Specialist when conducting staffings of any type:
  • Whenever possible, review relevant case information in advance to gain knowledge of the most current issues (Clerk of Court, FSFN, ASK etc.)
  • Maintain a professional demeanor at all times
  • Maintain neutrality without alliance to any of the parties
  • Engage all attendees’ participation in the meeting by requesting their perspective on the matters being discussed
  • Listen objectively and consider all opinions provided
  • Ability to deescalate and maintain professional interactions in staffings
  • Be flexible and balance the need for participation with the need to keep things running efficiently and within the allotted timeframe
  • Recommendations / plans that are developed must be aligned with statute, code, policy and require either consensus by all participating attendees or approval by the court

• Other duties may be assigned as special projects may be requested

Working Hours

CNHC’s believes in work life balance for all employees. This is an in-office position, Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm averaging forty (40) hours per week. Working hours may vary based on business needs.

Travel

Travel in and outside of Circuit 13 may be required.

Training

All employees must complete fifteen (15) hours of on-line or classroom Training on an annual basis.  If the employee is a Certified Child Welfare Professional, Training hours must total twenty (20) annually.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; preferred degree in psychology, social work, sociology or related human services degree.
• Child Welfare Certification preferred, or 2 years of prior child welfare experience required
• Official transcripts are a mandatory requirement

Other Qualifications

Skills and Abilities

Must have a strong foundation in educational advocacy, trauma-informed practices, and understanding of the child welfare system. Experience or understanding of various educational assessments, and special education to address learning gaps and ensure students receive appropriate academic support, including IEPs and 504 plans when necessary. A deep understanding of the foster care system is essential, as placement instability and trauma can significantly impact a child's education. Strong communication and collaboration skills allow them to work effectively with schools, child welfare agencies, caregivers, and legal advocates to promote educational stability. Additionally, they must be adaptable problem-solvers, navigating school transitions, coordinating resources such as tutoring and mentoring, and addressing crises that may arise.

Pre-employment Requirements

Certificates, License, Registrations, backgrounds, drug screens, Etc.

• Valid driver’s license required, with proof of insurance
• Driver’s license check is a requirement
• Criminal background screening (fingerprinting) (Local Law Enforcement and FBI/FDLE)
• Drug Screening is a requirement
• Children’s Network participates in E-Verify

Other Requirements

Language Skills

Must have strong language skills to effectively communicate, advocate, and support students, educators, and caregivers. Verbal communication is essential for clearly conveying information to students, teachers, caseworkers, and caregivers in an accessible and supportive manner. Written communication is equally important for preparing reports, progress updates, and advocacy letters with clarity and professionalism. Active listening skills help specialists understand the unique needs of foster youth and collaborate effectively with caregivers and school staff. Cultural and linguistic competency is also crucial for working with diverse populations, including students and families for whom English is a second language. Additionally, the ability to use precise, persuasive advocacy language ensures that foster youth receive the necessary educational services and accommodations. These language skills enable Education Specialists to build strong relationships, navigate complex systems, and create meaningful academic opportunities for foster youth.

Mathematical Skills

Requires strong mathematical skills to analyze academic data, track student progress, and develop effective educational strategies. They must interpret assessment scores, identify learning gaps, and use data-driven decision-making to tailor interventions that support student success. Budgeting and resource allocation skills are also essential when coordinating educational services, such as tutoring, scholarships, and special programs.

Reasoning Ability

Must possess strong reasoning abilities to assess complex situations, make informed decisions, and develop effective solutions. They need to evaluate a student’s academic, emotional, and social needs, considering factors such as trauma, placement changes, and learning challenges. Reasoning skills are essential when analyzing assessment data, identifying patterns, and determining the most appropriate interventions to support each student’s unique situation. They also need to think critically when navigating the educational system, coordinating services across multiple agencies, and advocating for resources and accommodations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this position are generally moderate. The role may require extended periods of sitting, standing, and using a computer. Occasional lifting of office supplies, files, or materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment

This is an in-office-based position focused on administrative work, where the noise level may be moderate. This role may involve occasional travel among agency locations, extended periods of computer work, and frequent interactions across multiple departments. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

ADA:       Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

EEO:        Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, religion, veteran status, or disability in employment, in provision of services, or in access to programs.

Children’s Network of Hillsborough, LLC is a Drug-Free Workplace.

Remember:  If you are currently an employee of Children’s Network of Hillsborough Florida, LLC, or one of our Case Management Organizations, it is necessary that you notify your current leadership, prior to applying.