Years and Type of Required Experience: Previous experience with special education regulations, IEPs and transition plans.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Experience with assessment and evaluation of students with chronic illness and disabilities.
Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
The Education Specialist serves as a vital liaison between healthcare providers, patients, families, and school systems to ensure children with medical, cognitive, or developmental conditions receive appropriate educational support. This position is responsible for assessing the academic impact of medical diagnoses, facilitating communication with schools, and advocating for educational accommodations and services. Through direct interaction with families, collaboration with educators, and participation in care planning, the Education Specialist helps ensure that each child's medical and educational needs are aligned to support their academic success and well-being.
Essential Job Statement
Meet with patients and families in person or by phone to identify and assess school-related challenges and educational needs.
Request and review academic records from schools to gather relevant information that supports educational advocacy and planning.
Participate in virtual school meetings with families and educational teams to communicate medical information that informs educational decisions and supports individualized learning plans. Based on
recommendations from clinical providers.
Administer educational assessments, including cognitive and academic achievement tests, to evaluate learning profiles and identify support needs.
Collaborate with clinical provider to write medically informed letters to schools that align patients' diagnoses with appropriate educational accommodations and services.
Coordinate return-to-school support by checking in with families and schools to address barriers and ensure a successful academic transition
Prepare medical documentation and guidance for students transitioning to college to support their unique healthcare and academic needs.
Maintain accurate and timely records of all school interactions, testing results, and documentation shared
Develop communication strategies and documentation templates to streamline provider-to-school communication.
Performs other duties as assigned and/or participates in special projects to support the mission of VCUHS and department. Provides assistance to team members. Accepts alternate assignments as required.
Patient Population: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures. Pediatrics (1-12 years), Adolescents (13-17 years), Adults (18-64 years)
Employment Qualifications
Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Education from an accredited program
Education Preferred: Master's degree in Education from an accredited program Independent
Licensing/ Certification
Licensure Required: Professional license with endorsement In Special Education, K-12 from the Virginia Board of Education
Licensure Preferred: N/A
Vcuhealth · Richmond, VA