Educational Advocate

We don’t just have a mission statement…we have a mission.

At Keys Counseling, our commitment to optimal mental health and steadfast support isn’t just for our clients; it extends to every team member.

Keys Counseling is a premier home-based therapy agency providing services throughout Northwest Indiana. We seek a full-time or part-time Educational Advocate to join our outstanding team at our Elkhart, IN office. We are looking for a motivated candidate who enjoys making a difference in the lives of others in their community. We offer competitive compensation, flexibility, growth potential, and a great working environment!

Keys Counseling specializes in child and family services, treating children and adults involved in the Department of Child Services or juvenile delinquency legal systems. It advocates for community safety, family preservation, and emotional healing by addressing a wide range of mental health and relationship issues with an array of evidence-based strategies.

Educational Advocates are equally teachers and caseworkers. They collaborate with students and families in the school, home, and community settings. They connect the disparate elements of a child’s educational experience while simultaneously working to develop the skills required for successful participation in all parts of life. Educators’ interventions are high-quality, family-centered, and culturally competent. All interventions are focused on keeping children in school, improving academic performance, and educating parents about how to be involved in the process.

Compensation:

• The hourly rate for this position is $22.00 per hour. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, licensure/certifications, scheduled clinical hours, etc.

Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in education, social work, psychology, sociology, or a directly related human service field from an accredited college. (Other bachelor’s degrees and at least two years of experience working directly with families in the child welfare system will be accepted.)
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to use a private car to transport oneself and others in compliance with state policy concerning minimum car insurance coverage.
• Provide academic assistance for students with extreme academic and behavioral needs in individual and group settings and within the school.
• Facilitate truancy curriculum in small group settings
• Maintain working relationships with school personnel and referral sources by promptly responding to all communication requests.
• Administer standardized assessments to identify age-appropriate treatment plan goals and objectives
• Provide school and home-based truancy termination services to children and families to support them in achieving their treatment goals
• Attend case conferences and administrative meetings to advocate for student rights and ensure appropriate educational placement.
• Maintain detailed records following agency protocol
• Serve as an active member of a treatment team
• Attend required supervisions and meetings offered by Keys Counseling
• Meet KPIs expected for face-to-face contacts and client services

Advantages:

• Offers Medical, Vision, and 401K Plans
• PTO and Holiday pay
• Allows staff to determine their weekly schedule with flexibility
• Offers home, office, and community-based services
• Promotes collaboration and communication among team members
• Provides Clinical support in the form of bi-weekly supervisions, department, and regional meetings, as well as occasional staffing and ongoing training

Beneficial Skills & Experience:

• Experience providing in-school and home-based services
• Experience working with the juvenile probation population
• Experienced in teaching curriculums in group settings
• A Teaching License or Certificate is preferred
• Knowledge of Special Education and the implementation of IEPs

Keys Counseling is a proud Refresh Mental Health network. Refresh Mental Health network—a nationwide network with leading private practices and unique and specialized programs. This relationship allows us to maintain our local leadership and solid reputation in the community. It also enhances our practice with additional resources, infrastructure, and operational support, allowing you to focus on what you do best—providing exemplary care to your clients.

Keys Counseling is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workplace. We are committed to building a team that is inclusive of all people, including those of LGBTQIA+ communities, members of all ethnic groups, people with disabilities and medical conditions, foreign-born residents, and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Refresh is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.