Coordinate with school placements to ensure the educational and developmental needs of youth with complex trauma and mental health diagnoses are met. Provide support and advocacy to create LGBTQ+ safe and affirming spaces and inclusive curriculums within school settings.
Requirements summary
Requires a high school diploma and at least one year of experience working with youth, preferably with a bachelor's degree in a human services field. Candidates must have experience with IEPs/504 plans and a trauma-informed approach to care.
When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.
For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families. Our 25+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of at-risk youths from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, or a disrupted family life. As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we provide them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships, and a secure path toward a better, brighter future.
Under the direction of the Program Director, the Education Coordinator is responsible for coordinating with school placements to ensure they are meeting the educational and developmental needs of youth who have experienced complex early childhood trauma and/or who are living with mental health diagnoses. The position also works as a support to schools and the residential program around providing services in a way that is affirming to LGBTQ+ youth.
How You Will Be Making a Difference
Collaborate with Clinical Coordinator regarding youth mental health presentations and impact that may have on their educational needs
Enroll youth in local school district with support from legal guardians. Coordinate enrollment process between school districts and caregivers/guardians
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
AD&D Insurance
Basic Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Training
Long-term Disability Insurance
Short-term Disability Insurance
Employer Match
403(b) Retirement Plan
Sick Days
Coordinate youth tours/interviews at therapeutic day school placements when applicable. Drive youth to and from tours & interviews (participating in both with youth)
Create and independently implement educational day programming for all youth in program struggling with truancy. Directly supervise youth in staffing ratio.
Attend all educational meetings including but not limited to special education eligibility hearings, Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, Best Interest Determination (BID) Meetings, suspension hearings, etc.
Provide support to youth in completing schoolwork, including partnering with administrative team in order to create systems and structure for work completion and to support youth when they do not attend school
Provide support in the group residential home setting
May plan and participate in activities with clients/students on an individual and small group (less than 6) level in accordance with treatment plans and goals. Teach age appropriate life skills and social skills through modeling, counseling, and other techniques. Participate in groups and activities designed to enhance growth and development.
Participate in off-campus recreational/educational activities
Advocate for student’s social/emotional needs in an appropriate school setting
Provide psychoeducation to school teams (when applicable) regarding how to create LGBTQ+ safe and affirming spaces and inclusive curriculums
Communicate regularly with collaterals including parents, caregivers, legal guardians, Educational Surrogate Parents, The Department of Children & Families, and other providers regarding educational progresses, needs, and goals.
Utilize organizational system to track daily school attendance, excused vs. non excused absences, school-related incidents, etc.
Work within multidisciplinary team to collaborate on providing trauma informed care in a community-based setting
Attend all-staff meetings including daily shift report, weekly Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT, and monthly staff meeting (one late night 7-10pm per month)
What to Expect in the Role
Passing the CORI/background check and having a valid ID.
Being physically active for an 8 hour shift.
Participating in verbal de-escalation and physical intervention with youth.
Multi-tasking in a changing and fast-paced treatment environment.
Receiving and implement feedback in the moment and through a structured supervision process.
Ability to work evenings, holidays, weekend shifts as required.
Qualifications
1 year plus prior experience working with youth.
HS diploma or equivalency.
B.A./B.S. in related human service field preferred.
A passion for making a positive impact on the lives of kids.
Experience working with youth or adolescents and groups in residential or community settings.
Experience in leading teams of people and/or projects.
Experience/exposure to IEP’s, 504 Plans, and or special education plans.
Strong advocacy and communication skills.
Trauma-informed lens.
Computer literate, including Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, with the ability to learn new software applications.
Pay Range Positioning Summary
The pay range listed represents the company’s good faith estimate of the salary or wage range for this position at the time of posting, as required under applicable law. Actual compensation will be based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s relevant experience, education, skills, and internal equity relative to other employees in similar roles. Candidates with less directly related experience may be placed toward the lower end of the range, while those with extensive or specialized experience may be placed toward the higher end. Market conditions and budget considerations may also influence final pay decisions.
What The Home Can Offer You
In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:
Health, Vision and Dental Insurance are available
Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days
Extensive training to new staff
Tuition reimbursement of up to $3,000 per fiscal year
403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
And more!
Valuing Diversity
We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.
Market context
LGBTQ+ education roles in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, LGBTQ+ education coordinator roles often appear in schools and youth-serving organizations that need staff who can support inclusive programming and student advocacy. These positions are competitive because employers usually look for experience with youth, familiarity with IEPs and 504 plans, and a trauma-informed approach to care. Before applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit and save time reading the original posting.
