Graham Windham·New York
The Education Specialist provides comprehensive educational advocacy and support to middle school students to ensure they perform at grade level and successfully transition to high school. They coordinate with families, case planners, and school staff to manage academic milestones, tutoring referrals, and special education needs.
The Middle School Educational Specialist will provide comprehensive educational advocacy and support to help students perform at grade level, gain promotion to the next grade, and enter quality middle schools and high schools. The Specialist will provide assistance to youth directly and to case planners and parents/caregivers, as well as foster and kinship parents to meet the educational needs of 5th through 8th graders. Duties & Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Work with up to 50 5th through 8th graders and their families and case planners Provide educational advocacy to ensure students are receiving the supports/services they need to succeed in school. Provide individualized assistance with the high school selection processes to 7th and 8th grade students and their families. The Specialist will ensure that all students apply to high performing, best-fit schools, and will track these schools through an online platform once they are submitted. The Specialist will provide individualized assistance to all 5th grade students and families with the middle school selection process. Refer to all students in need of academic help for tutoring and follow up with Tutor/Coaches regarding the students’ performance, needs, and any concerns. Refer all students with advanced skills to support for Specialized High School test prep and support applications for middles schools with honors programs and 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 in Connections. Connect students to after-school and summer extracurricular activities. Coordinate with Case Planning Teams and families, as needed. Participate in Family Team Conferences and provide guidance and support surrounding the educational needs of the youth. Common educational advocacy services provided by the Specialist: Special education support and advocacy, include requesting evaluations, participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, monitoring service implementation, and helping families exercise their due process rights. Disciplinary support and advocacy; Truancy prevention and support; Tutoring referrals. School enrollment and transfers, including participating in best interest determinations and securing transportation when students enter foster care or move between foster care placements. Referrals to other services/supports, as needed.
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.
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of experience working within the educational school system. Proficiency in NYC DOE policies and strong communication skills are required for effective client advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Market context
In New York, community middle school education specialist roles are typically driven by ongoing demand for staff who can support student services, family engagement, and school-based advocacy. These positions are competitive because employers often look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, school-system experience, and familiarity with NYC DOE policies, along with strong communication skills for interdisciplinary work. Before applying, review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform against the original posting so you can quickly confirm fit and tailor examples of your advocacy experience.