Educational Coordinator

Job Summary

At Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, every team member plays an essential role in advancing our mission to serve vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity. As the Educational Coordinator for our Children's Home Residential Psychiatric Treatment Facility, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth ages 6–17 who have experienced significant emotional and behavioral challenges.

This position is ideal for an educator who is passionate about supporting at-risk youth through patience, compassion, creativity, and individualized instruction. Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the Educational Coordinator recognizes each student's unique strengths and learning needs, adapting educational approaches to promote academic success, personal growth, and emotional well-being.

This role combines classroom supervision with educational case management, providing structure, encouragement, and academic support while helping youth complete their accredited online education in a safe, trauma-informed environment.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Oversight

• Supervise and run the on-site classroom for half of each day, ensuring a structured and supportive environment for youth enrolled in online schooling.

• Act as a tutor and academic coach, providing guidance, answering questions, and encouraging engagement with coursework.

• Develop and adapt individualized learning strategies and educational plans that meet each student's unique academic, behavioral, and emotional needs in collaboration with the treatment team.

• Use creative and trauma-informed strategies to help students stay focused and motivated.

• Maintain classroom order and routines without the need for formal lesson planning.

Education Coordination and Case Management

• Enroll youth into appropriate educational settings, including online school or the local public school district based on individual need.

• Track and document academic progress, attendance, and educational goals.

• Collaborate with treatment teams to ensure education plans align with therapeutic, behavioral, and developmental needs.

Behavioral Support and Safety

• Participate in Safety-Care behavioral management training and implement techniques in line with program expectations.

• Support de-escalation and behavior interventions in the classroom and throughout the facility when needed.

• Maintain a calm, regulated classroom environment aligned with trauma-informed care and ARC principles.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with clinical, residential, and multidisciplinary staff to ensure coordinated care and consistent educational support.

• Attend meetings, trainings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.

• Communicate with parents, guardians, school districts, and referral agencies regarding educational progress, placement, and transition planning when appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Education or a related field required.

• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate required.

• Special Education certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience or experience working in a youth-focused educational setting.

• Experience supporting at-risk youth, youth with behavioral or emotional challenges, or working in a residential treatment setting is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with virtual education platforms and self-paced curriculum models is preferred.

Personal Attributes

Mission-Driven

Demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties and incorporates those values into daily work through compassionate, respectful service.

Compassionate Educator

Exhibits patience, empathy, and the ability to build trusting relationships with youth who have experienced trauma, recognizing each student's unique strengths and potential.

Collaborative Team Player

Works effectively with educators, clinicians, residential staff, families, and community partners to support each youth's educational and therapeutic success.

Solution-Oriented Problem Solver

Proactively identifies challenges and develops creative, practical solutions that support student engagement, learning, and behavioral success.

Culturally Sensitive

Demonstrates awareness and respect for the diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities of youth, families, and colleagues while fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Integrity

Maintains the highest ethical standards, responsibly uses time and organizational resources, and consistently demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• This position is on-site and is not eligible for remote work.

• Attendance at occasional meetings or events outside regular business hours may be required.

• The role involves working directly with youth who have experienced trauma, behavioral health challenges, and emotional crises in a residential psychiatric treatment setting.

• Physical requirements include frequent use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls; talking; bending; squatting; twisting; climbing; kneeling; reaching; and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds.

• Vision requirements include close-up work, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The work environment may involve varying degrees of physical discomfort and occasional loud noise.

• Occasional driving, potentially with clients, during the workday may be required for operational purposes.

• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Comments

This job description is intended to outline the essential functions, general supplementary tasks, and key requirements for successful performance in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional responsibilities may be assigned, and management reserves the right to modify duties as organizational needs evolve.