Students in Temporary Living Situations Program Foster Care Coordinator

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has set ambitious goals to ensure that every child -- in every school and in every neighborhood -- has access to a world-class learning experience from birth, resulting in graduation from high school ready for success in college, career, and life. The CPS Students in Temporary Living Situations Program (STLS) supports homeless students and students living in foster care.

STLS is seeking a part-time Foster Care Coordinator who will be responsible for developing a comprehensive advocacy model that allows CPS to work cooperatively with the Department of Children and Family Services and community organizations serving the needs of homeless students in foster care. The Foster Care Coordinator will work with the Resource and Training Coordinator to develop a training program that provides in-services for all assigned clerk/liaisons, principals, and network and central office staff in the CPS Students in Temporary Living Situations Program.

Primary Responsibilities

Demonstrate proficiency in relevant laws and policies including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the Illinois Plan for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program, and the Salazar v. Edwards Consent Decree by:

• Effectively communicating federal, state, and local policies to diverse audiences; demonstrating ability to translate policy into action
• Developing and presenting foster care training curriculum to designated school staff/administrators, CPS Departments, shelters and other organizations to increase the capacity of welcoming schools to support STLS students
• Identifying and participating in professional development opportunities to stay current on laws, policies, and best practices that relate to students in temporary living situations, including topics of homelessness, foster care, children's mental health, trauma and stress, special education, and others
• Assist schools in making best interest of the child decisions regarding enrollment of students in foster care.
• Facilitate transportation services for students in foster care.
• Assist schools with addressing challenges students in foster care face with regards to attendance in school; support parents, students and schools in attendance discussions and interventions.
• Review, recommend, and document best practices in education of children and youth in foster care and experiencing homelessness.
• Support efforts to increase access to preschool and post-secondary opportunities.
• Serve as a point of contact for Department of Children and Family Services or other youth in care providers
• Any other projects or collaborations that are presented by CPS, City of Chicago, and other community organizations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with serving youth in foster care and/or low income families of differing cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Experienced presenter
• Outstanding problem-solving and data analysis capabilities
• Self-starter who can anticipate problems and develop preemptive solutions
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to a continually shifting environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Type of Education Required:

Bachelor's degree