Education Specialist
Job Type
Full Time, Exempt
About the Role
Teachers at RYC provide individualized, flexible academic instruction and educational support for adolescents participating in behavioral health services. Youth served by RYC often experience significant barriers to traditional schooling including mental health challenges, trauma, family instability, and academic disruption.
Teachers operate in a nontraditional learning environment focused on rebuilding academic confidence, supporting credit recovery, preparing youth for GED completion, and facilitating successful transitions back into schools or workforce pathways.
Teachers collaborate closely with behavioral health staff and program supervisors to ensure that educational programming supports each youth’s treatment and personal development goals.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Academic Instruction
Provide individualized and small-group instruction in a flexible learning environment.
Support youth completing:
online coursework
GED preparation
credit recovery
independent academic work
traditional or alternative KGBSD classes
Adapt instruction to meet varying learning levels and emotional readiness.
Individual Learning Plans
Develop and maintain individualized learning plans for youth participating in education programming.
Monitor academic progress and adjust learning strategies based on student needs.
Track course completion, credit progress, and educational goals.
Student Engagement
Build positive, supportive relationships with youth to encourage academic engagement.
Support youth who may struggle with focus, motivation, or emotional regulation.
Use trauma-informed approaches to create a safe and structured learning environment.
Collaboration with Program Staff
Coordinate with residential staff or Harbor staff regarding youth schedules, participation, and support needs.
Participate in team discussions regarding youth progress when appropriate.
Communicate with the Education Director regarding academic progress and program needs.
Educational Coordination
Support coordination with school districts when youth attend district classes part-time.
Assist youth in navigating online learning platforms and assignments.
Maintain accurate documentation of educational activities and student progress.
Classroom Environment
Maintain structured and supportive academic spaces.
Balance academic expectations with youth’s therapeutic and behavioral needs.
Encourage consistent attendance and academic participation.
Documentation and Compliance
Manage program documentation, including Rehabilitation Notes, attendance, and progress reports.
Follow established RYC and KGBSD procedures for problem-solving and incident management.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to educational service delivery, Medicaid documentation, and agency policy.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field
Experience working with youth
Ability to work in flexible and nontraditional educational environments
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Teaching certification
Experience in alternative education or behavioral health settings
Experience working with trauma-impacted youth
Familiarity with GED preparation or online learning platforms
Key Competencies
Trauma-informed teaching practices
Strong relationship-building skills
Flexibility and creativity in instructional approaches
Ability to maintain structure while adapting to youth needs
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teamsÂ
21 years of age or older.
Valid Alaska Drivers License
Ability to pass a pre employment UA and background check
Must be able to obtain First Aid/CPR and MANDT certification, facilitated by RYC, following hire.
Benefits
Job Type: Full Time, Exempt
Hours Per Week: 40
Shift: Varies
Hourly Pay: $58,000-75,000/yr
Application Instructions
Interested applicants, please click "Apply Now" button below to apply.