Education Resource Specialist

Description

Job Summary:

Responsible for the accomplishment of department goals, objectives and timelines required by the department’s core programs. This involves providing information, training, resources and emotional support to families of children with unique needs. Providing support and training on where, when and how to access educational services for those families. Work with programs servicing the local community to establish and maintain parent trainings at those facilities. Maintain accurate records of all contacts with families and professionals.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct outreach activities and trainings as well as public presentations to promote core program services and activities within the assigned service area.
• Identify, schedule, organize and conduct training needs based on the core program priorities and standards.
• Must prepare all necessary presentation material needed to conduct effective trainings and clinics such as: PowerPoint presentations, handouts, flyers, evaluation forms etc.
• Collaborate, develop, plan, and execute outreach events and activities within the service area maintaining a department calendar of events.
• Identify, develop, maintain a database and network key stakeholders and contacts within the service area
• Provide high quality individualized support and resources to families, and individuals needing assistance with special education and or regional center services
• Identify family and or individual needs and provide clinics as necessary.
• Contributes to the development of individual and organizational knowledge base of community resources in which families can be referred
• Required to organize and lead or co-lead support groups, and connecting activities including family cafes and caregiver group’s such as parent groups, fathers' groups, sibling groups, and grandparent groups as assigned.
• Develop and present all training and support material with emphasis on the parent’s perspective.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge related to special education and other laws such as the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), American’s with Disability Act (ADA) and Lanterman Act.
• Stay current with, educational strategies, assessment, conflict resolution and other processes related to accessing educational services.
• Participates in ongoing professional development, department and team meetings, as well as in-service training provided by EPU such as consultation, reflective practice and supervision groups.
• Responsible to collect, summarize and report all data and information required by program.
• Adhere to EPU's policies and procedures and will maintain proper confidentiality.
• Position requires data entry, answering phones and various computer activities.
• Travel may be required with this position based on program needs.
• Maintain, manage, and process records, files and information in a confidential manner that meets HIPAA and other applicable confidentiality regulations.
• Exceptional Parents Unlimited, Inc. (EPU) facility hours are Monday – Friday; 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The positions requires flexible to work varied hours including some evenings and weekend.
• Must perform other duties as they are assigned by the Manager, Director or President/Chief Executive Officer.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skill and Experience:

Education: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Special Education or other related field. May consider work experience of 2+ year or more in lieu of education.

Skills: Must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, able to make independent decisions within guidelines, accept responsibility, dependable, reliable, strong time management skills, committed, highly motivated, must have a professional code of ethics and a professional demeanor, must be adaptable, use good judgement, logic skills, self-confident, and capable.

Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience working with families of children with unique needs and/or receiving special education services.
• Prefer a parent or close family member of a child/individual with unique healthcare, developmental or emotional challenges.
• Experience working with diverse perspectives and parents of children with a wide variety of challenges.
• Prefer a strong understand of family systems and child development.
• Experienced Trainer utilizing best practices in adult training.
• Knowledge of regional community resources available for children with unique challenges.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish or Hmong is a plus, but not required.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Must hold a valid California Driver's license with a good driving record with no serious violations for the previous two-year period. Must be able to provide proof of current automobile liability insurance.

Physical Demands:

Typical Working Condition: Staff is required to travel within assigned region and work out of community resource facilities. EPU does not have control over the locations and conditions of all the environments staff may be asked to work in.

Equipment Used: Personal vehicle for transportation to attend meetings in the service area, computers, printers, telephones, and fax machines.

Essential Physical Tasks: Must be able to sit for long periods of time, working with a keyboard, computer screen.

This position description may not be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification; however, it is intended to accurately reflect the principle job elements. Related duties, knowledge, or abilities to those expressly stated may also be required for successful performance of the position.