Department: Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP

Campus Location: Pittsburg, KS

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Range is $40,000-47,000/yr, adjusted based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p (regular evenings & wknds based on scheduled events but flexible)

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

If your passion is to help youths, in the foster care system, see a future they always wanted & assist them to make it happen, read on as we are eagerly looking for you! Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP is a state-wide program serving students in foster care, grades 7-12 and first year in college.
We require someone who is organized with exceptional time management. Plan events /information workshops in the evening or weekends for youths as well as meeting with them regularly during the school day. Travel to kids across the region assisting with personalized services for their scholarly level. Being able to build rapport with this population & maintaining appropriate boundaries is key to these relationships.
The priority goes to great documentation & information sharing with other invested parties. Provide supervision to staff, coaching them to success. Freedom to customize content of events planned & personalize to their needs allows you to show your investment in their future. Travel is your friend in this role as well since you cover a region & have time to mentally prepare on your way to your appointments.

Job Summary

Responsible for supervising the staff and monitoring the services provided to students in each region. Collaborates with partners to set up services for students, collect in-kind documentation and document all activities in the region.

Essential Functions

Manages regional office by coordinating all activities which may include, but is not limited to, foster care facilities, schools, and community organizations. Ensures maximum enrollment for region. Prepares monthly and annual reports. Provides leadership to regional staff and volunteers. Supervises various staff actions including, but not limited to, hiring, training, performance appraisals, promotions, transfers and vacation schedules. Instructs program students in college access workshops. Plans and coordinates resource center development for students, parents, teachers and staff. Serves as representative at local school, foster care agencies, and community meetings. Negotiates in-kind donations with partners to ensure grant dollar for dollar match.

Job Duties

This position is responsible for schools in 9 counties in southeast Kansas. The office is located in the Pittsburg DCF building. Travel to assigned school districts to provide college going services to students in foster care. Monitors and tracks student academic progress, graduation, enrollment in college and FAFSA completion. Provides grant related activities such as workshops and college campus visits, academic advising, career exploration and job search, mentoring, tutoring resources, and summer programs. Assists students with KKGU dual credit application, DCF tuition waiver application and credit recovery, if needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field
• Two (2) years of experience in educational program management with diverse populations or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in implementing programs in middle or high schools. Knowledge of State of Kansas foster care system.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting low-income students and students in foster care.
• Knowledge of the education systems and assessments in the State of Kansas.
• Strong computer, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Able to analyze problems and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to manage a budget and time.
• Knowledgeable on how to supervise staff and utilize coaching methods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in education, counseling, social services or related field

Preferred License/Certifications/Training:

Valid Driver's license

Additional Information:

Must be able to complete a State of Kansas Child Abuse and Neglect background check.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Ability to drive 7 to 15 passenger van safely & travel distances regularly.
Must be able to escort students on campus visits - which may include lots of walking.
Must be able to attend community and school presentations.
Overnight travel occasionally to trainings and conferences may be required.