Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) Specialist

Postsecondary Education Services and Support (PESS) Specialist
Join our team at FSS and enjoy comprehensive benefits including but not limited to:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Well-Being Program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Employee Discounts
• 401k Plan with 3% Employer Contribution

The mission of Family Support Services of North Florida is to be the leader in providing safety, stability, and quality of life for all children by working with the community to strengthen the family unit.

Job Summary:

The Postsecondary Education Services and Support Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive support services to students who have aged out or been in the foster care system that are now enrolled in postsecondary education settings. This includes assisting students in navigating academic, financial, and personal challenges while fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. The Specialist will work closely with academic departments, student services, and other campus resources to ensure students receive the necessary guidance and resources to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Job Duties:

• Provide individualized academic and personal support to students, helping them set and achieve educational goals.
• Support students with finding campus resources, including academic advising, financial aid, and counseling services.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance student retention and academic success.
• Assist students with navigating postsecondary education systems, including registration, course selection, and graduation requirements.
• Conduct outreach and provide support to students experiencing academic or personal challenges, including referrals to appropriate resources.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify at-risk students and offer interventions that promote success.
• Maintain accurate records of the students progress and grades.
• Provide regular reports on student progress, program effectiveness, and areas for improvement.
• Assist in the development and execution of student success initiatives, including mentorship programs, tutoring, and study groups.
• Pull Credit reports for youth in care.
• Assist with collaborating with youth and community partners to facilitate Youth Empowerment Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelors degree in the Human Services field or at least 3 years of professional experience providing services to teens and young adults.

Experience: At least three years experience coordinating projects, working with community partners and managing staff. Minimum three years experience working in the child welfare system work with high-risk youth. Experience working with youth and young adults preferred.

Licensure, Certification, and/or Registration: Valid drivers license. Child Welfare Certification preferred but not required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to:

• Represent self and the organization in a professional manner
• Work independently with little direct supervision
• Think and write creatively
• Assess a situation and make appropriate recommendations/decisions
• Research, organize and analyze data
• Solve problems and to think through critical, time sensitive issues
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Work collaboratively with staff at all levels in the organization
• Follow through on commitments, projects and responsibilities
• Speak effectively before small and large groups
• Calculate figures and amounts
• Maintain confidential information

Knowledge of:

• State Statutes and Codes
• Recruitment and retention practices

Skills:

• Strong Written and Verbal Communication
• Strong follow-up and follow through
• Strong organizational and time management
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word

Other Requirements:

• Clear a Level II background screening
• Clear a reference check
• Clear a local background check from the County in which you reside
• Clear a substance abuse screen
• Provide a copy of all degrees prior to your first day of employment
• Clear a Motor Vehicles Records check and must be insurable under the companys automobile policy.
• Provide copy of automobile insurance.
• Provide proof of and maintain a minimum personal auto liability insurance level $100,000/$300,000 if deemed to be a driving risk.
• Clear an E-Verify check to substantiate that the successful candidate meets the Department of Homeland Security authorization requirements to work in the United States (for more information visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify)

FSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. FSS is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at c6.hr@fssnf.org.