Community Middle School Education Specialist (Cornerstone)

Community Middle School Education Specialist (Cornerstone)

Regular Full-time

About Graham Windham   

In full partnership with families and communities, Graham Windham strives to make a life-altering difference with children, youth and families who are overcoming some of life’s most difficult challenges and obstacles by helping to build a strong foundation for life: a safe, loving, permanent family and the opportunity and preparation to thrive in school and in the world. With over 500 full-time employees serving children and families in multiple programs throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem, Graham Windham provides an exciting and enriching work experience.  

About the Position:  

The Community Middle School Educational Specialist will provide comprehensive educational advocacy and support to help 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students perform at grade level, gain promotion to the next grade and enter quality high schools. The Specialist will provide assistance to students directly and to their parents/caregivers, to meet educational needs.

Duties & Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):  

• Deliver individualized assistance with the high school selection processes to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students and their families. The Specialist will ensure that all students apply to high performing, best-fit schools and will track these schools along with the outcome of selection.
• Facilitate learning sessions for middle school students and their families to provide education on the high school selection process. 
• For 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students, lead essential skill building activities and workshops for student success in middle school, high school and beyond.
• Collaborate with the Graham team and DOE staff, including guidance counselors and teachers, to ensure students are not at risk for attendance and are receiving the supports/services they need to succeed in school.   
• Refer all students in need of academic help for tutoring and follow up with tutors regarding the students’ performance, needs, and any concerns.   
• Connect all students with advanced skills to supports for Specialized High School test prep and support for applications for Screened High Schools.  
• Use an online platform to monitor and update academic milestones as it relates to attendance, service and support, tutoring and individualized education curriculum, and record progress.  .   

  Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Minimum one year experience working with the educational school system
• Knowledge of NYC DOE policies
• Solution-focused and dependable. Works with others to solve problems, acknowledges mistakes and successes, and follows through on commitments;
• Respectful.  Has strong personal integrity and wants to participate in a culture that celebrates vibrant and diverse spiritual and ideological perspectives, racial, ethnic, and gender identities, and sexual orientations.
• Has the talent to build strong partnerships with students and families.
• Ability to work collaboratively across stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.