Educational Specialist

Summary

The Educational Specialist is responsible for increasing community awareness and prevention of child abuse through education, outreach, and prevention programming. The primary focus of this position is to educate children, parents, caregivers, schools, community organizations, and professionals about child abuse prevention, body safety, internet safety, healthy boundaries, and the services available through the Child Advocacy Center (CAC).

The Educational Specialist serves as a knowledgeable and approachable representative of Sunlight Child Advocacy Center within the community. This position builds strong relationships with schools, youth-serving organizations, community partners, and multidisciplinary team members to increase awareness of child abuse prevention and ensure that children and families know where to turn for help.

The Educational Specialist must be comfortable presenting to a variety of audiences, working with children of different ages, and discussing sensitive topics related to child abuse and exploitation in an age-appropriate and trauma-informed manner.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Advocacy & School Coordination (60%)

1. Community and School Education and Prevention Programming

• Develop, coordinate, and deliver educational presentations and prevention programs for schools, childcare providers, youth organizations, parents, caregivers, and community groups.
• Provide age appropriate body safety education to children and youth including
• o Personal boundaries and body autonomy
• o Identifying safe and unsafe behaviors
• o Recognizing trusted adults
• o Understanding appropriate and inappropriate touch
• o How to respond when something feels unsafe
• o How and when to seek help
• Provide internet and digital safety education to children youth, parents, caregivers, educators, and community members.
• Educate audiences on online exploitation, grooming, sextortion, cyerbullying, online privacy, and safe use of social media and gaming platforms.
• Educate schools and community organizations about the mission, role, and services of Sunlight Children’s Services.
• Coordinate with schools and community partners to schedule and implement prevention education programs
• Maintain current knowledge of child abuse prevention best practices and evidence informed educational programs.
• Evaluate educational programming and gather feedback to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of presentations, participants, schools, organizations, and community outreach activities.

2. Community Outreach and CAC Awareness (20%)

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with schools, educators, childcare providers, youth-serving organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, social service agencies, and other community partners.
• Promote awareness of CAC services, including forensic interviews, family advocacy, mental health services, and medical referrals.
• Assist with Child Abuse Prevention campaigns including Child Abuse Prevention Month and other public awareness initiatives.
• Participate in community presentations and speaking engagements as requested.
• Assist with development and distribution of educational and outreach materials.
• Represent Sunlight CAC in a professional manner and promote the organization’s mission and values.

3. Professional and Community Training (10%)

• Provide training and education to professionals and community members on topics such as:
• o Recognizing signs and indicators of child abuse
• o Mandated reporting requirements
• o Responding appropriately to a child’s disclosure
• o Child abuse prevention
• o Body safety
• o Internet and digital safety
• o Human trafficking and exploitation awareness
• o The role and services of the Child Advocacy Center
• Assist with coordinating professional development and educational opportunities for community and MDT partners
• Stay informed regarding current research, trends, legislation, and best practices related to child abuse prevention and child safety
• Participate in CAC MDT meetings
• Maintain professional certifications and complete required continuing education.

4. Administrative Program Responsibilities (10%)

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity when representing Sunlight CAC
• Maintain accurate documentation of educational activities, outreach efforts, and program outcomes
• Track educational presentations for grant reporting and program evaluation
• Assist the CAC Director in developing annual education and outreach goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, and agency planning activities.
• Follow all CAC policies, procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform duties in a manner that supports the best interests and safety of children and families

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Relevant experience in education, prevention, child advocacy, social services, and/or community outreach, may be considered in place of a degree
• Experience developing or presenting educational programs preferred.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive information in an age-appropriate and understandable manner
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends for community events or trainings.
• Must pass required background checks:
• o KBI
• o Child Abuse and Neglect Registry
• o Offender Registration
• Must be willing to travel between CAC locations and local schools.

Physical Requirements

This position frequently requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, talking, hearing, typing, and driving. The employee may occasionally lift up to 40 pounds and navigate school and community environments.

Pay: From $21.63 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22