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About the Role

The Education Advocate assists parents and students with disabilities to understand and navigate the special education system, working with schools and other community providers to ensure provision of equal educational opportunities. The advocate develops and maintains a working knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with state and federal special education laws that affect the rights of students with disabilities. Advocates are part of a team that provides information and trainings to increase the knowledge and competence of schools, families, and in the community.

Responsibilities

Provide direct oversight of the Onondaga and Madison County based Education Advocates by assigning and overseeing their caseloads
Guide program outreach activities and support staff with case review and technical assistance
Work closely with Regional Director on program reporting and growth
Inform parents of their child’s rights and suggest appropriate special education services and programs to meet their needs
Help families prepare for CSE and IEP meetings, including considering goals, reviewing evidence and materials, and help develop strategies
Review special education and section 504 documents, including student files, evaluation assessment reports, IEPs and Section 504 Plans
Accompany parents to IEP, Section 504, and other school meetings and provide advice and assistance as needed throughout the process
Work with parents to get their concerns heard by the district and help resolve disputes that may arise
Draft letters and written requests to school and district personnel; draft complaints to school districts and the State Department of Education, if needed
Organize workshops and conduct in-services on students’ rights and special education issues
Work with schools and school districts on creating system change(s) in educational settings for inclusion of students with disabilities through eliminating physical and program barriers to equal education opportunities in Onondaga County
Network with other service providers in the community
Provide appropriate referrals, both within the Agency and in the community
Ensure that participants are accommodated in receiving services, and provide alternatives to service delivery as needed (for example, assistance to homebound consumers)
Maintain confidential consumer records, process paperwork timely and provide information for reports as requested
Exercise sound judgment as a matter of course, and hold protected health information and other sensitive information in the strictest of confidence in accordance with EFR and HIPAA policies
Uphold the codes of conduct and ethics as well as all EFR policies and procedures
Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Excellent advocacy skills and ability to form collaborative relationships
Clean driver license
Reliable, insured, inspected vehicle
Computer proficiency
Ability to successfully remain sitting or working at a desk for prolonged periods
Vision sufficient to maintain a New York State Driver’s License and constant use of a computer
Speech and hearing sufficient for normal communication
Ability to successfully work on a computer as a significant responsibility
Full range of motion to move safely in the office and outside locations which may not have accommodation
May be required to put away office supplies and transport event materials
Must be able to lift, push, pull, walk, stoop, reach in all directions to move freely and quickly within any area
Must be able to lift or move items necessary for events and other related activity
Finger manipulation and hand coordination for constant computer use
Ability to travel in your own vehicle to all job-related out-of-office functions or meetings as required
Ability to report on time and remain for overtime as needed

Skills

Advocacy
Collaboration
Computer proficiency
Special education law
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Location

Main Office - Syracuse, NY 13208

Work Type

Full-time

Experience Level

Not specified

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree required, master's degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and related experience working in the education advocacy field and/or with persons with disabilities

Salary/Compensations

$21.50 - $23.50 Hourly

Benefits

Confidentiality: High-level confidentiality is required for access to all organization records.
Safety Compliance: Office functions are performed while maintaining a safe work environment.

About the Company

At Indera we envision a world where disability never limits opportunity, and every community is built for everyone.