Director of Education Services

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been caring for children throughout the Hudson Valley for over 175 years! We strive to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well being. We are currently seeking a full-time Director of Education Services in our Empower and LTFC Program. 

Position Summary: 

The Director of Education Services oversees and coordinates all educational services for children enrolled in the LTFC and Child Welfare programs. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the programs and schools, ensuring clear communication and collaboration. Responsibilities include securing appropriate school placements within the community, managing on-site and contracted educational services, and providing ongoing educational support to youth. The Director of Education Services supports smooth transitions by coordinating enrollments and discharges, notifying schools of youth admissions and exits, and providing transcripts and educational records to facilitate successful placement after discharge or transfer.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities: 

1. Apply the Sanctuary Model’s trauma-informed principles by fostering safety, emotional awareness, respect for loss, and hope for the future (S.E.L.F.); uphold the Seven Commitments (Nonviolence, Emotional Intelligence, Social Learning, Democracy, Open Communication, Social Responsibility, and Growth & Change) in all interactions with clients, families, and colleagues.
2. Assesses the educational needs and develops an overall educational plan for each youth in care
3. Ensures that youth are scheduled for school district assessments, and enrolled in school within three days of arrival to the program and actively works with the school to identify and address any barriers or challenges so the youth can start in a timely manner. 
4. Is responsible for ensuring all relevant educational data and documentation are obtained and facilitating appropriate school placement in the community, including coordinating a review by the Committee on Special Education (C.S.E.) when needed. 
5. Attends all C.S.E. and I.E.P. meetings and represents The Children's Home. Attends all necessary school meetings and arranges to have appropriate individuals attend conferences or meetings on youth or school related problems.
6. Uploads enrollment confirmation, report cards and other progress reports issued by the school into electronic systems in a timely manner.
7. Is knowledgeable about 504 and IEP plans and serves as an advocate for youth in need of extra services and as a liaison with respect to facilitating this process with the school.

Schedule: Minimum of 35 scheduled hours per week, with flexibility required

The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually. 

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• MS.ED. CSW or other appropriate Masters Level Certification.
• Previous educational experience required.
• Special education experience.
• Experience with English language learners 
• Valid New York State Driver's License with good driving record as determined by the Agency

PREFERRED Qualifications: 

• Teaching certification 
• Experience in the Child Welfare field
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

*The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*The Children's Home participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the form I-9.