Education Specialist

The CHA will begin reviewing applications and interviewing immediately upon submission. Once an individual has been hired for this role, this posting will be closed. This posting will be open for submissions no later than January 30th, 2026.

The Education Specialist supports the People Plan component of the Choice Neighborhoods
Implementation (CNI) Grant (CNI People Plan) for the One Westside community by
coordinating, implementing, and monitoring education-focused strategies across the education
continuum, including early childhood, K–12, postsecondary education, and adult learning. This
position works collaboratively with the Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) staff, residents,
Hamilton County School System, early learning providers, higher education institutions,
community-based organizations, and other partners to improve educational outcomes for
Westside residents.

The Education Specialist plays a key role in advancing the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhoods goals related to educational attainment, school
readiness, and lifelong learning. This role requires strong community engagement skills, data
tracking and reporting capacity, and the ability to coordinate multiple partners, while maintaining
compliance with HUD reporting and performance requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The statements contained herein reflect general details to describe the principal functions of this
job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should
not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other
duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relieve others,
to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
1. Plans, coordinates, and implements education-related strategies under the CNI People Plan,
including early childhood education, K–12 supports, postsecondary pathways, adult education,
and workforce-aligned training initiatives.
2. Serves as the primary liaison between CHA and education partners, including school districts,
early learning providers, Head Start programs, higher education institutions, and community-
based organizations serving One Westside residents.
3. Collaborates with the CHA’s Resident Engagement Department staff members to identify
resident educational needs, barriers, and goals, and to connect residents with appropriate
educational and training resources.

4. Coordinates resident access to education services such as enrollment assistance, tutoring,
mentoring, after-school programming, GED preparation, college access services, and career
training opportunities.
5. Assists residents with accessing financial aid and education-related funding opportunities,
including FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, tuition assistance programs, and other
grants or supports that reduce barriers to postsecondary education and training.
6. Identifies, coordinates, and supports applications for education grants and funding from local,
state, and national foundations, as well as colleges and universities, to expand educational
opportunities and financial support for One Westside residents.
7. Tracks participation, performance, and outcomes for education-related activities, ensuring
accurate data entry, documentation, and compliance with HUD CNI reporting requirements.
8. Prepares and contributes to HUD-required quarterly and annual reports, performance narratives,
and outcome documentation related to education goals and benchmarks.
9. Supports the planning and facilitation of resident workshops, information sessions, and
community meetings focused on education pathways, school readiness, youth development, and
adult learning.
10. Monitors education-related partner deliverables, timelines, and agreements to ensure alignment
with CHA expectations and the approved CNI Plan.
11. Maintains accurate, confidential records related to resident participation, referrals, and education
outcomes, in accordance with CHA policies and data privacy standards.
12. Exhibits and encourages behaviors that uphold CHA’s core values.
13. Keeps abreast of HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations impacting assigned
programs and makes recommendations to the Project Director.
14. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the CHA Board, employees,
residents, participants, landlords (as applicable), contractors, as well as city, state, and federal
officials and works harmoniously with community stakeholders.
15. Attends and/or participates in various meetings related to the CHA as required.
16. Reports consistently to assigned work location(s) in accordance with established work schedule,
and must be reliable.
17. Provides outstanding customer service by responding to phone calls, emails, and written
correspondence in a timely, efficient, and appropriate manner.
18. Performs other duties as directed.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and families from diverse ethnic, cultural,
and socio-economic backgrounds.

2. Knowledge of educational systems, including early childhood education, K–12 education,
postsecondary pathways, adult education, and workforce-aligned training programs.
3. Strong interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to work
collaboratively across multiple agencies and stakeholders.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports,
presentations, and documentation for funders and partners.
5. Ability to organize, track, and analyze data related to education participation and outcomes.
6. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects,
deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
7. Ability to work independently and in group settings and use sound judgment in decision-making
and problem solving.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the ability
to learn new data systems as required.
9. Ability to understand and apply HUD, federal, state, and local rules and regulations related to
education and CNI programming.

Minimum Education, Training, and/or Experience
1. A high school diploma/GED is required and graduation from an accredited college or university
is preferred.
2. Three to five years of experience working in educational programming, community-based
educational initiatives, case management, or a related field is preferred.
3. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which, in the sole
determination of the Project Director, provides the required knowledge and abilities, may be
considered sufficient.

Physical/Mental Requirements
1. Level of manual dexterity sufficient to allow for operation of office equipment.
2. Ability to move, handle, or lift small objects in the workplace.

Special Requirements
1. Must possess a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation and be insurable under CHA’s
automobile insurance if required to drive an automobile by CHA.
2. Criminal background checks and drug screening will be performed.
3. Demonstrated proficiency at Microsoft Word, Excel, and other software applications.

The CHA does not unlawfully discriminate in hiring or in any of the terms or conditions of employment because of an individual’s race, age, religion, gender, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin, creed, color, military service or veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.