Applicants must live in South Carolina.

Overall Responsibility:

Reporting directly to the Chief Program Officer, the Family Education Specialist provides peer support and navigation services for parents, caregivers, families, youth, and individuals with disabilities, including but is not limited to, educational, healthcare, and community resources.

Major Tasks and Responsibilities:

·Increase parents/families/providers/educators’ knowledge and skills to help parents/families improve their child’s early learning, school-aged, and post-secondary outcomes.

·Provide one-on-one peer support, education, information, and coaching for parents, families, and caregivers of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities, chronic health, or behavioral health diagnoses.

·Provide education on IDEA: Part C and Part B, ADA 504 Plans.

·Assist in referring to appropriate community resources as needed and identified by families.

·Have in-depth knowledge of the laws, regulations, and resources regarding special education and be able to articulate these to parents, families, and professionals.

·Administer the Education Partner program, facilitating attendance at school meetings if needed to provide emotional support to parent/caregiver. (not acting as an advocate ‘for’ or ‘on behalf of’ the parent)

·Stay updated on all SC and Federal Special Education laws.

·Maintain awareness of state and national policies impacting education.

·Keep accurate and up-to-date documentation in the Salesforce database.

·Provide monthly reports.

·Foster and maintain cooperative relationships with other staff, contributing to the organization's mission.

·Attend all staff meetings.

·Must take call on the organization’s Support and Information Line during business hours.

·Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s degree in special education, education, early childhood, social work or equivalent.

•Master’s degree is preferred.

•Demonstrated ability in creativity, self-motivation, and independent work.

•Comprehensive knowledge and experience in special education, especially an understanding of IDEA.

•Familiarity with community resources.

•Excellent oral and written communication.

•Ability to work autonomously, prioritize tasks, and maintain keen attention to detail.

•Strong commitment to confidentiality.

•Proven ability to maintain timely and accurate records and uphold required data integrity.

•Strong computer proficiency, especially in Microsoft Office Suite, internet-based programs, email, and databases like Salesforce.

•Light lifting capability (e.g., carrying training materials).

•Must possess a personal vehicle for travel purposes.