JOB POSTING
Education Specialist
Make a meaningful impact where it matters most.
Education can change the course of a person's life—and sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in them.
Join Aunt Leah's as an Education Specialist and help young people and young parents overcome barriers to education while building confidence, self-advocacy, and pathways toward graduation, training, and post-secondary success.
Working one-to-one with participants, you'll provide individualized education planning, advocacy, and practical support while helping navigate school systems, financial aid, bursaries, community resources, and educational opportunities. You'll collaborate with schools, community partners, and Aunt Leah's internal programs to ensure participants receive the wraparound support they need to achieve their goals. If you're passionate about youth development, education, advocacy, and empowering people to reach their potential, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Summary: Reporting to the Education Program Coordinator, the Education Specialist provides individualized education planning, advocacy, and wraparound support to youth and young parents pursuing educational goals ranging from adult upgrading to post-secondary education. Working from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, this role helps participants navigate education systems, overcome barriers, access financial supports and community resources, and build the confidence and skills needed for long-term success. The Education Specialist collaborates closely with schools, community partners, and internal programs to promote positive educational outcomes and participates in a scheduled on-call rotation.
Reports To: Education Program Coordinator
Compensation: $ 25.17/hr.
Position Status: Full-Time Regular; 37.5 hours per week; 7.5 hr/day; generally, Monday- Friday from 9:00am to 5:00 pm
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in Social Sciences, Social Worker Diploma, Child & Youth Care Diploma, and/or a related combination of education and experience
- Experience in social support field, career development, education mentoring/coaching and/or youth engagement or related experience
Requirements:
- Undergo and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable persons)
- Undergo and maintain a satisfactory Local Police Information Check (including vulnerable persons)
- Undergo & Maintain a MCFD Contracted Agency Caregiver Clearance
- First Aid – Level C w/ CPR
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Agrees to the Society's Code of Ethics
- Follows Aunt Leah's Practice Guidelines
Assets:
- 1 year experience working with youth in or from government care and/or at-risk youth
- 1 to 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role
- Experience in foundational literacy/numeracy tutoring
- A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
- Produce a clear Driver's Abstract
- Proof of vehicle business insurance and $5 million liability
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA):
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with youth, families, school staff, and community partners.
- Trauma-informed, strengths-based, youth-centered practice with the ability to build trusting relationships that promote self-advocacy and independence.
- Strong advocacy skills and knowledge of how to navigate education systems, supports, and barrier removal for youth success.
- Knowledge of the BC education system, including graduation pathways, post-secondary options, and alternative learning resources.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to assess barriers and develop practical, youth-centered solutions.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team and coordinate supports across education, social services, and community systems.
- Experience supporting educational planning, tutoring, workshops, or learning interventions to support student success.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills, including accurate case notes, reporting, and tracking systems.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and adapt in dynamic environments.
- Cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse youth, families, and communities.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and support skill development.
- Computer literacy, including MS Office and digital case management or learning platforms.
- Understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and ethical practice in youth-serving environments.
- Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations using de-escalation and conflict resolution skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct Service
Provide individualized education planning, goal setting, and one-to-one support to help participants achieve educational and career goals.
Support participants in overcoming education-related barriers by connecting them with tutoring, financial aid, bursaries, adult upgrading, post-secondary resources, and other educational supports.
Develop participants' self-advocacy, problem-solving, and life skills while maintaining accurate documentation and individualized education plans.
Facilitate education workshops, provide outreach support, and contribute to a welcoming, inclusive resource centre environment.
Collaborate with internal programs to provide coordinated wraparound supports for participants.
Advocacy
Advocate for participants with schools, community partners, and funding bodies to improve access to educational opportunities and supports.
Support participants in navigating graduation pathways, adult education, post-secondary admissions, bursaries, grants, and government-funded programs.
Build and maintain relationships with community agencies, educational institutions, and referral partners to strengthen participant outcomes.
Empower participants, caregivers, and support networks to effectively advocate within the education system.
Financial Responsibilities
Health & Safety
Communication & Collaboration
Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, outcome tracking, and reports.
Collaborate with internal programs, community partners, and the Program Coordinator to support participant success.
Participate in meetings, staff development, organizational events, and crisis response as required.
Confidentiality & Professional Practice
On-Call
Physical Demands:
- This position requires some lifting of heavier objects
Working Conditions:
- Hours of work are generally 37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours a day); generally, Monday to Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm); with occasional evening and weekend hours as operationally needed
- This position may require working occasional evenings and weekends and travel to various locations within Metro Vancouver
- Primarily based in an office setting at the New Westminster office
- On-call as scheduled on the on-call roster
Living Wage Employer:
As a certified living wage employer, we are committed to compensating our employees a living wage that allows working families to support the healthy development of their children and participate in the social, civic, and cultural lives of their communities. Embracing a living wage policy aligns with our Strategic Goals and provides our staff a great place to work.
We Offer:
A comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, extended health care including vision care and prescription, RRSP matching, generous vacation and personal time package.
To Apply:
To apply, please use the application link provided in this posting.
We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities who are interested in supporting our mission and mandate.
