SOME (So Others Might Eat) exists to help homeless and poor individuals and families in Washington, DC. Our more than 30 programs throughout the district provide comprehensive services that lead to mental and physical health, continued sobriety, job training, living-wage employment, and affordable housing. We meet immediate needs with food, clothing, and healthcare and offer the tools one needs to live with hope, dignity, and greater independence.

Position Description: Lead and support education, related process, activities, and initiatives in the department. Empower and build parents' confidence and knowledge of the educational systems and laws that impact them and their families. Refer students to appropriate behavioral, vocational, and educational support services. Provide training to staff and residents, as well as connect staff to resources and services that will encourage parental involvement in education and promote strong education.

SOME (So Others Might Eat) is currently seeking a full-time Education & Engagement Director to support our Family Services department.

Covid-19 Considerations: In alignment with DC Health, COVID-19 vaccinations, and boosters are mandated for personnel working in SOME’s healthcare-designated programs, which currently include Medical, Dental, Population Health, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), Exodus House, Jordan House, Kirwan House, Keuhner Place, Leland Place, and Mary Claire House. Requests for a medical or religious exemption will be considered for reasonable accommodation.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm (Some evening hours 11:30 am-8:00 pm) as needed for community meetings and programming.

Required: Master's Degree in Education, Social Work, or Counseling 3-5 yrs. experience in the education field and 2+ years of experience in special education with grades K-12. Must have experience working in the DC Public School System or Charter School system; experience with navigating the educational system in DC and working with students and parents; previous supervisory experience.

Preferred: Experience working with families in a residential setting a plus, Experience with early childhood development programs.

Required License/Certification: CPR/First-Aid, CPR for infants, Valid driver's license, and access to a personal vehicle. College graduates with an MSW/BSW master-level psychology-related graduates must be licensed to practice in Washington DC, by the department of health.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of navigating DC Public Schools, Charter schools, and Private school systems
• Knowledge and understanding of grades K-12 and special education
• Knowledge of laws and legal rights of students and parents and the effect on families (McKinney Vento, IDEA, etc,)
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures, for motivational enhancement interviewing and career counseling and guidance. Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and individualized services. This includes understanding resident needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating satisfaction.
• Knowledge of 504 planning and IEP process as well as know how to advocate for needed accommodations for children impacted.
• Skilled in identifying signs and behaviors of ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia, and other learning disabilities.
• Familiar with the practice of restorative justice in schools
• Ability to manage composure and the ability to manage crisis effectively
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to lead and facilitate workshops and training

Expected Contributions

Advocacy and Consultation:

• Engage with parents and foster partnerships between school and family
• Link children and adults with resources and opportunities to improve education
• Ensure the school's compliance with IEPs and special education laws
• Assist parents with understanding eligibility decisions, available services, and supports that are being offered or recommended by the school. and the appropriateness of those recommendations.
• Provide crisis intervention to students when difficult situations occur at schools and in SPFK setting.
• Perform educational and vocational assessments to identify the needs of children and families; document activities accordingly.
• Confer with parents, teachers, and other professionals to discuss children's progress, and resolve behavioral, academic, and other problems to determine priorities for students.
• Develop strength-based, trauma-informed individualized student plans as needed.
• Collaborate with parents and school personnel to advocate for appropriate services and accommodation for students with disabilities and unique learning needs.
• Manage a small caseload of residents with high needs.
• Conduct school visits to support parents, as needed.

Training and Program Management:

• Provide training and support for Residents, Staff, and Volunteers on a variety of education-related topics.
• Oversee the training of Program Assistants and SPFK after-school program
• Oversee adult and early childhood initiatives in the department
• Provide oversight of the high school transition program and college readiness program
• Manage data collection and track program outcomes
• Research innovative techniques in learning and education and determine applicability with the program.
• Assist in writing grant proposals and reports
• Work collaboratively with Program Manager and team members to support the holistic coordination of family services.
• Provide outreach to the public, charter, and private schools, educational programs, colleges, and other community organizations in order to create new partnerships.

Supervisory:

• Contribute to strategy development and strive to improve department functions and performance; assist in the development of goals.
• Submit supervisory and administrative paperwork to Human Resources and Finance as required; refer to SOME Employee Handbook for policy guidance.
• Maintain professional documentation and ensure the program is in compliance with SOME CQI Standards.
• Scheduled staff work hours, as needed, and monitor for time and attendance; approve time cards and requested leave.
• Define work requirements, assign tasks to staff members, and review work or quality and accuracy.
• Provide weekly feedback on performance, monitor individual performance evaluations, and take steps for performance improvement as needed.
• Provide coaching and training for staff, assist staff with work processes and policies, and encourage opportunities for professional development.
• Ensure appropriate department staffing levels in order to meet objectives; asses. evaluate, and hire new employees needed.