Job description

AHRC New York City is a family-governed organization. Our mission is to advocate for people who are neurodiverse to live full and equitable lives. The Special Education Advocate uses a variety of methods and approaches to ensure students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education from the New York City Department of Education and other ID/DD service providers, as mandated by federal and state law. The advocate ensures students and families are well-advised and ably supported in the resolution of education-related disputes, and they help families and students learn the advocacy skills necessary to navigate future conflicts. Members of the Advocacy Team are knowledgeable, collaborative, youth and student-centered, culturally responsive and community oriented.

The Special Education Advocate position has an annual salary of between $50-$55k depending on experience. The position also comes with a very generous benefit package which includes: medical, dental and vision plans, tuition reimbursement, 403b with employer match, generous paid time off, health saving plan and more.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct advocacy, technical assistance, and information & referral services to parents and professionals seeking help from AHRC Advocacy Office.
• Manage case load and oversees all aspects of advocacy case work for assigned students.
• Assists in conducting relevant training and workshops for advocacy clients and community members.
• Correspond with education professionals, family members, and team members effectively and promptly to ensure Advocacy goals are on track and student needs are met.
• Develop competence and maintain up-to-date understanding of the IDEA, the Individualized Education Program (IEP), and NYC special education programs, policies, procedures, and regulations, as required for client work.
• Advocate effectively at Committee on Preschool Education, Committee on Special Education, mediation sessions and other education-related meetings.
• Accompany advocacy clients on school visits and tours.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance Quality Assurance systems to track outcomes of advocacy actions.
• Document in timely and precise manner all aspects of advocacy services and case work.
• Prepare reports and other written materials as requested.
• Under the direction of the Director of Advocacy Services, represent the Advocacy Program at coalition, council, and committee meetings as needed.
• Perform all other job-related activities determined by Director of Advocacy Services.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and remotely, with minimal direct oversight.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Masters in Special Education, Social Work or related human services field preferred;
or a Bachelors in Special Education, Social Work or related humans services field plus 2 years professional work experience.

• Excellent writing skills required with the ability to communicate effectively, and to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, family members, community members and professionals.

· Basic knowledge of Federal IDEA, NYS, and NYC Department of Education regulations preferred; understanding of CPSE/CSE processes preferred. General knowledge of OPWDD is helpful.

• Lived and/or professional experience as an advocate for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities highly preferred.
• Occasional attendance at weekend and evening events may be requested.
• Must have passion for education justice, human rights, and the right of students with disabilities to access high-quality education services and programs.
• Must have strong organizational and time-management skills, as well as capacity to make independent decisions and handle time-sensitive and/or stressful situations.
• Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish, Mandarin)
• Must be able to collaborate effectively and courteously with colleagues in dynamic small-team environment.
• Must demonstrate commitment to culturally responsive and anti-oppressive practices; willingness to uphold value of self-determination for students and individuals with IDD; and commitment to provide person-centered care for students and their families.
• Possibility for flexible daytime hours M-F.

AHRC New York City provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants, with employment based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (with or without sexual conduct), age, disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic disposition or carrier status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• A Masters in Special Education, Social Work or related human services field preferred; or a Bachelors in Special Education, Social Work or related humans services field plus 2 years professional work experience is required. Do you meet this requirement?
• Excellent writing skills and the proven ability to communicate effectively, and establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, family members, community members and professionals is required. Do you meet this requirement?
• Do you have lived and/or professional experience as an advocate for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities?
• Are you bilingual...if so please provide the languages besides English you speak.
• Do you have a basic knowledge of Federal IDEA, NYS, and NYC DOE regulations, an understanding of CPSE/CSE processes and a general knowledge of OPWDD?

Work Location: One location

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