CORE | Coalition for Residential Education

To learn more and to register click here.

Job Purpose: To provide couple, individual and family therapy to clients seeking help in resolving intrapersonal and/or interpersonal conflicts and/or situational stresses in their lives.

Regulatory Requirements:
• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or a related field with a license as an Independent Social Worker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
• Must complete Mandatory Reporter for Child/Dependent Adult Abuse training within four months of hire date.
• Must successfully complete child/dependent adult abuse and criminal background check, including DHS evaluation (if needed, including documentation of follow-through for any stated employment restrictions); reference check forms (minimum of two); and employment physical, TB test and drug screen prior to contact with clients and as required thereafter.

Language Skills:
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages preferred.

Skills:
• The therapist must possess a knowledge of the theories and techniques of therapy. The person must be able to apply these in the clinical setting in the provision of ongoing services to families and individuals. The person must be knowledgeable of growth and development issues specific to children, adolescents, young adults, middle adults and older adult age-groups. The person must be able to communicate clearly in speech and writing to other professionals and to clients.
• Must be capable of learning basic computer/keyboarding skills for the implementation of patient/client information electronic record keeping.
• Must be able to visually observe patient/client needs.
• Possesses the ability to work productively and effectively.
• Ability to utilize email in a courteous and constructive manner.
• Ability to utilize computer system for client scheduling, treatment planning and documentation.

Physical Demands:
• For physical demands of position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see following description. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.

To access the full text of the position description, click here

Please complete an application and upload resume on our website.

For more information, contact:
Shannon Hagensten,
Employment Coordinator
Email: Shannon.hagensten@hillcrest-fs.org

Greetings,

With the increasing demands on professionals in the child welfare and education systems, many of whom grapple with leveraging limited resources to serve burgeoning populations, new resources and strategies are needed to sustain and produce positive outcomes. There are millions of children who are affected by poverty and don’t have an opportunity for quality living or education. As a result, children are facing an uncertain future rather than one filled with promise. In response, Coalition for Residential Education (CORE) is staying true to its tradition of hosting expert speakers, thought-leaders, and engaging workshop facilitators in child welfare and education to provide resources and counsel on how to address these challenges.

CORE is excited to announce that the focus of this year’s conference is “Residential Education: Leading Through Changing Times”. It will be a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the positive work of residential education and join our discussions on how professionals in child welfare and education can improve outcomes for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In March, you can look forward to CORE providing a comprehensive conference to include discussions on education reform, addressing the achievement gap, trends in higher education, the role of education and the child welfare system and other thought-provoking topics. This 2012 national conference is uniquely designed to help professionals in child welfare and education enhance their delivery of services and also identify partners to increase capacity and facilitate change at the local, regional, and federal levels. The national conference will host a series of in-depth discussions on how professionals in the child welfare and education can better work together for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Professionals who work with children and youth advocates of quality education for all and especially those who are new to Residential Education (RE) to learn first-hand how this approach is making a difference in the positive development of youth should not miss this opportunity for dialogue with featured keynote speakers and leading experts in the field of education and child welfare.

We encourage you to join us March 7-9, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK!

Warmest Regards,

Nicholette K. Smith-Bligen,
Executive Director, CORE

REGISTER TODAY!! GET FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION!!
Click here to learn more and to register!

About the Conference

CORE’s national conference attracts youth workers, leaders, advocates and policy makers in the field of Residential Education from across the country, in addition to those interested in issues related to children youth and families. Each year, the conference provides an engaging mix of advocacy, networking, and knowledge-sharing in a wide range of practice and leadership development arenas, connecting participants with top leaders through general sessions, forums, and hands-on workshops.

The conference will be held at the Oklahoma Baptist Building in Oklahoma City, OK. Attendees will have an opportunity to experience Residential Education first hand with a tour of Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, a CORE member school, and will also gain insight on how RE programs are structured, the delivery of care, and the high quality of education provided to children and youth. In partnership with Marriott, our host hotel is the Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown.

Oklahoma’s Bricktown community, a historic district conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues, provides a picturesque backdrop to our 2012 national conference. In celebrating its history and its future, Bricktown has become of one of the most frequented tourist sites in Oklahoma City, blending red brick with modern architecture.

Some of our Featured Speakers
• Anthony Sykes, Oklahoma State Senator – District 24
• Dr. Karyn Purvis, Director of the Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University (TCU)
• Dr. Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, The Brookings Institution, Co-Director, Center for Children and Families
• Dr. Janet Barresi, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction
• Sandra E. Timmons, President, A Better Chance
• Dr. Stacey Patton, Founder of Spare the Kids
• Dr. Khalek Kirkland, Head of Programs, The SEED School of Maryland

Location and Time of Conference
When:
Wednesday March 7, 2012 – Friday, March 9, 2012
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM CT

Where:
The Oklahoma Baptist Building
3800 North May Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Sponsors:

Ruby Level

Platinum Level

Gold Level

Silver Level

Bronze Level

Catherine Hershey Awards Dinner Sponsor

Transportation
Will Rogers World Airport
7100 Terminal Drive,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
P: (405) 316-3200

Special Hotel Conference Rates
Final Booking Deadline for discount rates: February 10, 2012

Rate $124 – Rate includes Hot HomeTouch Breakfast

Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown
Downtown Bricktown
400 East Reno Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104

The SEED School of Maryland is a new statewide, public, college-preparatory boarding school that opened in August 2008. The School has enrolled 308 sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade boys and girls and will grow to educate and board 400 students in grades six through twelve. The SEED School is an extraordinary educational opportunity for students across the state to receive a tuition-free, college-preparatory, boarding education.

The SEED School of Maryland combines a rigorous and engaging academic curriculum with life skills and enrichment activities to provide students with a thoughtfully balanced learning and living experience. Students and their families commit to a seven-year educational program that offers small class sizes, high quality teaching and learning experiences, mentoring, community service, and extracurricular activities such as sports and arts. The SEED School is centered around its character values: compassion, self-discipline, integrity, respect for oneself and others, responsibility, honesty, and self-determination. The SEED School staff are in partnership with parents, families, and communities to guide and support student success. The School follows a typical academic school year calendar.

The Assistant Principal (AP) reports to the Director of Academics and is responsible for facilitating a culture of constant learning for instructional staff. In partnership with the Director of Academics, the AP will implement a professional development program to guide assigned instructional staff members in becoming master teachers. The AP will provide and secure meaningful and relevant professional development, serve as a model teacher, and further develop systems and protocols to ensure that academic achievement and school culture consistently reflects the values and goals of SEED. In addition, the AP will collaborate with the Academic Team in the evaluation, modification, and development of instructional best practice.

Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
1. Advise, support, and evaluate individual teachers to improve instruction through:
a. Consistent classroom observation and feedback
b. Facilitating curriculum planning and evaluate unit and lesson plans
c. Promoting continuous, high-quality assessment as a means for evaluating student achievement
2. Lead staff members to achieve high performance through goal setting and evaluation
3. Collaborate with the Principal to create a comprehensive and evolving professional development program for teachers
4. Manage school-wide academic programming, including course development, academic goal setting, and test scheduling
5. Evaluate school performance data to make holistic and individual recommendations for improving instructional practices
6. Plan and facilitate learning walks to gather data about instruction
7. Create and implement an accountability plan for the implementation of professional development
8. Serve as a key member of the Academic Advisory Team

Expectations
• Commitment to the mission and vision of The SEED School;
• Ability and willingness to be flexible in a growing boarding school;
• Comfort functioning in a fluid environment, and ability to make adjustments both in day-to-day and larger-scale activities based on new information and situations;
• Demonstrated leadership in building and sustaining a professional collaborative culture among faculty;
• Experience and leadership with urban education issues, preferably direct experience with inner city students and families;
• Commitment to excellence, equity, and high expectations for students and faculty;
• Ability to make fair and equitable decisions;
• Ability to work with multiple agendas, tasks, leaders, and professionals in service to the achievement and development of every student;
• Unquestioned integrity; and
• Clear judgment
• Working knowledge of instructional technologies

QUALIFICATIONS
• Knowledge of student intellectual and social development, in order to advance student growth and achievement;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire enthusiasm and support;
• Excellent communication skills, both one-on-one and in groups;
• Demonstrate a commitment to fairness, equity, and diversity;
• Ability to work with families, caregivers, and community members to best serve the needs of all students; and
• Instructional knowledge and skills grounded in child learning theory and pedagogy.

Experience & Education:
o Master’s degree required in applicable field of education from an accredited college or university;
o Holds or is eligible for an Admin 1 certificate issued by the Maryland State Department of Education;
o At least 4 years of teaching experience, ideally with experience in special education, and a strong record of helping underserved students achieve academic success;
o Significant experience with curriculum development and instructional methodology;
o Past experience leading adults in a school environment;
o Flexibility and willingness to actively participate in school community including, but not limited to: teaching electives and tutoring students, chaperoning overnight school trips, working with parents and families;
o Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills;
o Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork; and
o Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work.

Computer Skills
o Proficient in MS Office Suite; and
o Internet savvy and skilled with technology.

If you are interested in joining The SEED School of Maryland, we would like to hear from you. To be considered, please forward a letter of interest, résumé; and salary history. Packets may be e-mailed, mailed, or faxed to:

• E-mail: Teach@seedschoolmd.org
• Mail: The SEED School of Maryland
Attention: Human Resources – Academics
200 Font Hill Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21223

• Fax: (410) 843-9496

The SEED School of Maryland is committed to the letter and spirit of equality. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and other programs.

Statement from Executive Director, Nicholette K. Smith-Bligen

Bethesda, MD – In response to the U.S. Census report released on September 13, 2011 that found that 16.4 million children lived in poverty in 2010, Executive Director of CORE (Coalition for Residential Education), Nicholette K. Smith-Bligen is advocating for the use of residential education programs, as a viable option, to support children who live in poverty and their families. CORE, as the national voice of established and newly developing residential education programs for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, is taking new steps to increase efforts to help more children and families across the United States.

“This report is a wake-up call for all who work in education, child welfare, social work, and public policy to identify more effective ways to address poverty among children and families, especially during this financial downturn,” said Smith-Bligen. “The data from the U.S. Census report is disheartening, but fuels CORE’s efforts to change the stark realities of poverty in America.”

The report also found that over 5.5 million children under five-years old were poor. Children of color are disproportionately affected by poverty with 4.4 million black children and 6.1 million Hispanic children were poor. In addition, five million white, non-Hispanic children were poor. Residential education is one of many essential tools for children and families in vulnerable situations to get out of poverty and work towards a future not ridden by homelessness.

“Through collaborative efforts with federal and state policymakers, we can expand our work to provide high-quality education, family-like settings while encouraging family preservation, now more than ever. We will continue to live up to our motto ‘where others see disadvantage, we see a child with promise,’ said Smith-Bligen.

Founded in 1994 and based in the Washington, DC area, Coalition for Residential Education (CORE) is the national nonprofit organization that serves children from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds through residential education programs. CORE passionately believes high-quality residential education should be added to the scarce options available to these children, their families, and our communities.

For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bethesda, MD – Executive Director of the Coalition for Residential Education (CORE), Nicholette Smith-Bligen and Board Chair and Vice President of Methodist Children’s Home, Moe Dozier will give a presentation today at the 24th Annual “Growing Pains 2011” National Independent Living Conference at the Gaylord Texan Convention Center in Grapevine, TX. Smith-Bligen’s proposal, “Residential Education: A well kept secret of positive outcomes for youth” was selected by the Daniel Memorial Institute, host of the conference, aimed to help social services programs and professionals enhance their work.

“As we continue to grow and raise awareness about residential education (RE), CORE is taking new, strategic steps to highlight our member programs and generate more awareness around the life-changing impact of residential education,” said Smith-Bligen. “CORE will work to address and assuage any concerns about RE and identify more opportunities to support our members.”

This will be CORE’s first time presenting at the National Independent Living Conference, which is attended annually by youth service and independent living professionals, emancipation workers, and youth ages 15 and older. Smith-Bligen will lead the workshop with the support of Dozier, who will provide cogent comment and insight on the benefits of RE programs.

She will also make visits to Texas RE member programs, accompanied by fellow board member, Kelly Mills, who is based in Texas. In addition, she will be having meetings coordinated by Dozier with key stakeholders, leaders, and professionals working in RE.

“Together with CORE’s board, I am working to scale up efforts to advocate on behalf of our members while providing new tools to better serve economically and socially disadvantaged youth,” said Smith-Bligen.

The workshop on residential education will begin at 2:45 p.m. CDT. To get more information on the conference, please email coreinfo@residentialeducation.org or call (301) 656-6101.

Founded in 1994 and based in the Washington, DC area, Coalition for Residential Education (CORE) is the national nonprofit organization that serves economically and socially disadvantaged children through residential education programs. CORE passionately believes high-quality residential education should be added to the scarce options available to these children, their families, and our communities.

On behalf of the CORE members and our board of directors, I extend my sincere condolences to the family and staff of Peter Goldberg, president and CEO of the Alliance for Children and Families and United Neighborhood Centers of America, who passed away on August 12th.
Mr. Goldberg left an indelible mark on the communities and people he served and was truly committed to building a healthy society and quality environment for children and families to grow.

Mr. Goldberg was invested in supporting nonprofits like CORE that serve children and families through capacity building, advocacy, and providing economic empowerment. He will continue to serve as a role model for us and guide how we serve families and children.

I wish Mr. Goldberg’s family and staff consolation as they transition through this challenging time. He will truly be missed by all of us.

Deepest Regards,

Nicholette K. Smith-Bligen,
Executive Director,
Coalition for Residential Education (CORE)

An article describing Residential Education and CORE’s advocacy trip to the Hill this past April was printed in the Associated Baptist Press this past week. Please take a look that this exciting article.

“Building the Next Generation of Residential
Education Programs”
October 6-7, 2011

Hosted by The Crossnore School on their campus in Boone, NC

Letter from CORE’s Executive Director
Residential education programs across the country are grappling with how to continue serving vulnerable youth and families in light of today’s realities. Due to changes at the National and State levels, most residential education and most child care programs are or already have re-examined their program mission, models, and services. How are these programs, our programs, reconfiguring or changing in order to achieve a competitive advantage while staying true to their mission? How do we successfully build the next “generation” of residential education programs? What are some of the new models and changes being adopted? These questions will be the focus of most of our discussions, in addition to touring the highly regarded Crossnore School, our host for this event.

Participants in past leadership institutes enthuse about the small setting and the opportunity to be focused on strategic, big picture issues which may directly affect their organizations. In this setting you will be able to network and make valuable connections that will help you and your program move forward while combating today’s challenges. You will find you are not alone in this battle; we are all in it together.

Sincerely,

Nicholette Smith-Bligen
Executive Director

Join us…
NETWORK with senior staff from established and newly developing residential education programs.
LEARN about CORE’s Outcomes Survey results and discuss what the next steps will be.
VISIT the campus of The Crossnore School; meet students and staff.
GAIN INSIGHT and have input into public policy discussions effecting residential education programs.
FIND ANSWERS to your questions; leave with new ideas, colleagues, and resources.

Agenda Highlights

• Sharing of Successes and Challenges by each program (A tradition at CORE Leadership Institutes, participants share their biggest success and challenge of the year).
• Keynote Address: Rhett Mabry, Director, Childcare Division, The Duke Endowment Fund, Charlotte, NC.
• Tour of the Crossnore School, led by Dr. Phyllis Crain, Executive Director, and Crossnore’s staff and students.
• Discussion of and input into key CORE initiatives, including advocacy and CAREStandards.
• The results of CORE’s Outcomes Survey will be available by this time, and we will discuss our next steps.
• Speaker, Dr. Grady Batchelor, will speak about organizational change in a changing world to gain economic advantage. Dr. Batchelor is an award winning consultant and change agent in the fields of higher education, community and economic development, and government service. He is President of Grady Batchelor & Associates, Inc. consulting firm.
• Share in an evening of “Rustic Elegance” at the beautiful Eseeola Lodge, an old mountain lodge where a private dinning room will easily facilitate continued conversation.

For the latest information and to register: https://guest.cvent.com

Event Code: F2N6RPLBY5Q

A group of volunteers took part in a beautification day this past month at Seamark Ranch. These volunteers, all employees from Foundation Financial Group in Jacksonville painted rooms in the girls’ houses on the ranch. Foundation Financial Group also made a generous donation to Seamark Ranch.

“It is always amazing to see what one person’s vision can bring to our world,” said George Stone, senior vice president and division general manager of Foundation Financial Group in Jacksonville. “We are honored to play what part we can in helping enhance the lives of children who have found a home at Seamark Ranch.”

To see the original article, please follow this link.

Note from CORE:
CORE programs thrive with help from volunteers! Thank you Foundation Financial Group for being so generous with your time and support.