EDUCATION SPECIALIST

If you are looking to make an impact by helping others, then Preferred Behavioral Health Group is the place for you! By joining our award-winning team, you will become part of the premier behavioral health organization in New Jersey. PBHG is a dynamic and innovative non-profit organization that was proudly named one of "THE BEST PLACES TO WORK IN NEW JERSEY" for BOTH 2024 and 2025 by NJBIZ! Our mission is to change lives and save lives across the state of New Jersey through a Trauma Informed Care culture.

Our staff is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to building a diverse team where employees feel a sense of belonging and are valued for their individual contributions. We encourage staff development and embrace a growth mindset. If you are interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career while being part of a recognized “Best Place to Work”, please submit your resume today for consideration!

Job Title:  Education Specialist

Program:  Supported Education/Career Services

Location:  Office 725 Airport Road, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701

Position Type:  Full Time

Salary $36,760.00 35 hour work week

Job Description/Summary

The Education Specialist provides vocational support services to individuals with psychiatric disabilities in post-secondary settings so they may have access to and successfully utilize the educational environment.  Assistance and support is provided according to specific individual needs and continues on an on going basis according to individual's choice, preferences and goal achievement. Education Specialists collaborate with academic staff and mental health teams to help program participants achieve their goals. Supported Education assists individuals with mental health challenges to develop skills to take advantage of career, education, and interpersonal development opportunities within an academic environment, which promotes hope and recovery,

Responsibilities

• Provides timely and effective advocacy, consultation, service coordination, evaluation, written reports, and phone contact to community resources and related professionals as required by PBHG standards and consumer needs.
• Assists program participants with academic skills, communications skills, interpersonal skills and ethics.
• Effectively use outreach to engage clients into the program. Demonstrates ability to independently engage program participants and provide appropriate program support.
• Provide academic coordination with or on behalf of program participants by consulting with school personnel, funding resources and treatment teams to help with balancing mental health needs with academic demands.

Competencies

• Sees the value of cultural, ethnic, gender, and other individual differences in people; contributes to an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, including the ability to collaborate, build relationships, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
• Adapts to changing program needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and takes initiative to achieve results; makes the best use of available time and resources.
• Ability to effectively convey information, ideas, facts and instructions  both verbally and in writing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's level degree in Human Services field preferred; or 
• AA with 2 years relevant experience or 
• HS Diploma or equivalent with five years experience.
• Driver's License in good standing

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

o Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance

o 403(b) Retirement Plan

o Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

o Long Term Disability Insurance

o Life and AD&D Insurance

o Employee Assistance Program

o Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account

o Voluntary Benefits, such as Vision Insurance, Aflac, Pet Insurance

o Staff Training and Development Opportunities

o Employee Referral Bonus program

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