Education Specialist (COMPASS Program)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop structured, engaging, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate scopes and sequences, lesson plans, and enrichment activities aligned with NYCPS and DYCD priority content areas, including: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), STEAM and literacy enrichment, college and career awareness, academic support (homework help, literacy, math), life skills and leadership development (as applicable).
• Incorporate project-based learning and experiential activities to enhance engagement and skill development.
• Implement and reinforce SEL curriculum and practices in alignment with DYCD frameworks.
• Collaborate with school partners to design programming that reinforces academic skills and learning goals.
• Incorporate youth voice and choice into program planning and delivery.

Training and Coaching

• Provide training to content specialists and activity specialists on curriculum implementation and effective lesson facilitation.
• Train group leaders to deliver high-quality homework assistance and academic support that aligns with school-day learning.
• Conduct regular site-based observations and provide weekly coaching to staff on instructional practices, lesson delivery, and student engagement.
• In partnership with Program Site Directors, co-develop and implement individualized staff coaching plans.
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Success and Wellness to train staff on case management best practices and protocols.
• Review case management documentation and provide feedback to program staff to support effective interventions for high-need youth.

Quality Assurance

• Support the implementation of individualized SEL and academic pre- and post-assessments, including the development of action plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of program partnerships with schools and community-based organizations.
• Monitor compliance with DYCD requirements and support tracking of academic goals, including collaborating with Program Site Directors to troubleshoot implementation challenges at program sites.

Family and Community Engagement

• Design and implement culturally responsive, school-aligned family engagement activities in collaboration with program staff.
• Promote inclusive practices to ensure equitable access to programming for all participants.

Growth and Professional Development

• Participate in required professional development (approximately 3 hours/week equivalent annually).
• Engage in ongoing coaching, training, and reflective practice to improve program quality and instructional effectiveness.