ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST (ST JAMES PARISH)

Under the leadership of the Director of Opportunity Now, the Engagement Specialist plays a key role in Opportunity Now’s student behavioral support and mentoring programs. Using strength-based approaches with a trauma-informed lens, specialists are primarily responsible for working with identified students to minimize unbecoming behaviors and help to develop positive outcomes to productivity. Working closely with an interdisciplinary team, consisting of the Director of Adult Services, Program Manager, Lead Engagement Specialist, and Area Coordinator, the Engagement Specialist will incorporate some lessons from the Opportunity Now contextualized curriculum, which allows participants to develop necessary life skills, introduce career options, and expose student to post-secondary options. Specialists provide participants with dynamic, interactive support opportunities in group, classroom, and individual settings.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work or other related field preferred.
• At least 1 year of human development, social services, or teaching experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possess a high level of patience and problemsolving skills
• Ability to work with a variety of populations, including atrisk youth and adults, and individuals with disabilities.
• Independent, creative, selfstarter who exhibits good judgment.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Highly organized and works well with others.
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must be able to practice learning agility
• Must be able to take initiative

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently and effectively with diverse individuals. Must show strong selfmotivation while also being receptive to guidance in order to contribute meaningfully as a collaborative team member.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to work with and be sensitive to a diverse cultural, ethnic and racial population
• Must be highly organized, flexible and able to work well with others.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows based computer application

• The Engagement Specialist will establish and maintain safe and engaging learning environments, where students are provided with a balance of support and structure based on the following:
• Prepare lesson plans by adapting those already created with engaging activities and exercises that inspire students to acquire knowledge and skills they can transfer to social settings.
• Monitor barriers to students’ active participation and engagement in the program, including those related to complex issues in their physical or social environment.
• Monitor and report students’ attendance benchmarks and progress through a participant observation tool. Report on any individual student issues to the School Designee (point of contact) on a weekly basis.
• Apply strengthbased approaches with a traumainformed lens to mentor participants academically and emotionally. Mediate, problemsolve, and coordinate individual services for clients to help them overcome barriers to being a successful student and promote positive behavior change.
• Follow established policies and procedures for maintaining the integrity of the program with quality support, student discipline, classroom maintenance, safety, behavior management, and the security of all individuals and supplies at their disposal.
• Work collaboratively with management and school administrative staff to set high and measurable goals for student achievement.
• Adapt teaching and mentoring styles and strategies to maximize student learning and retention.
• Provide students with professional oneonone feedback regarding their performance in school, including behavior, grades, and attendance.
• Attend all relevant meetings (supervision, staff meetings, case conference sessions, curriculum development, training and workshops, etc.)
• Accurately complete and submit monthly reports and attendance sheets to Lead Engagement Specialist by the appropriate deadline.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school personnel; coordinate and monitor student progress throughout the school year.
• Develop a personalized intervention and prevention plan for behavior and academic change.
• Conduct one on one session with students where the Engagement Specialist will engage in appropriate discussion to encourage mutual dialogue, as well as utilize the check and connect to teach the student intervention and prevention skills that will address those consistent behaviors that lead to their troubles.