Education Specialist

What you'll be doing

Schedule: This is a PRN position and will follow the school calendar year - August to May, Weekdays 1PM - 3 PM. Additional hours maybe needed depending on patient admissions.

As an Education Specialist, you will play a critical role in providing academic support to patients with behavioral health conditions, maintaining academic status and progress in their home school district while prioritizing treatment. Your expertise will be instrumental in facilitating an independent learning classroom environment, conducting education assessments, coordinating with the home school, developing specialized education plans, and collaborating with the treatment team to enhance patient outcomes and overall wellness.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Conduct Academic Support Sessions: Deliver group academic support sessions to patients in a classroom setting
• Create a safe and inclusive environment to encourage work completion and foster a sense of community among attendees
• Provide one-on-one educational support, personalized to their unique needs and treatment plans
• Offer guidance, resources, and assistance to help patients develop coping mechanisms that support their mental health goals
• A caseload is 18-22 patients, and there should be a balance between caseload and time patient-facing
• Develop Educational Programs: Develop comprehensive education plans tailored to ideally maintain the patient's academic standing at the home school district, exploring alternative academic options as needed
• Advocate for realistic expectations and a reduced academic load while prioritizing recovery and treatment
• Access and coordinate state/county resources for tutoring and one on one instruction
• Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Team: Collaborate closely with primary therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other behavioral healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach to patient care
• Collaborate with parents, authorized school staff, tutors, and guidance counselors to effectively communicate and advocate the academic needs of patients
• This may include transition meetings and 504 planning
• Monitor Patient Progress: Track and assess the educational progress of patients, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting educational plans accordingly
• Work closely with the treatment team to address any barriers or challenges faced by patients
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of educational sessions and any relevant information to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Stay Current and Compliant: Stay updated with the latest developments in various eating, behavioral and mental health disorders and their diagnoses, treatments, and interventions in support of recovery for the patient
• Stay informed of best practices in specialized education, child development, education trends and various learning differences
• Be informed and current with company policies and procedures, required training and certificates within the ERC Pathlight University platform

Must haves

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, behavioral sciences or related field (required)
• Teaching experience, 2-4 years in a classroom or school environment (required)
• Strong knowledge of various behavioral health conditions, treatment modalities, and therapeutic interventions (required)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with patients, families, and healthcare professionals (required)
• Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude to support individuals facing mental health challenges (required)
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the support of comprehensive treatment plans (required)
• Knowledge of educational methodologies, curriculum design, and specialized education (required)

Bonus qualities

• Teaching certification (preferred)
• Experience working in behavioral healthcare settings, providing education and support to patients dealing with mental health conditions (preferred)
• Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines pertaining to behavioral healthcare education (preferred)

What We Offer

• At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.
• We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.
• We also recognize that mental health is part of every person's experience. That's why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged-personally, professionally, and at home.
• When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.