Special Needs Advocate

Job Description

SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of the Social Services Administrator, the Special Needs Advocate is responsible for administering the Advocacy Program services.

The Special Needs Advocate’s role is to educate, guide, and coach parents to become their own advocate for their child’s special needs services, relevant to community support, ESE programs and IEP development, public benefits, and more.

The incumbent is to focus on the development and expansion of the program through marketing in order to grow client caseload.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Education or, equivalent combination of education and related experience working in the education advocacy field and / or 1-2 years of experience working with children with special needs. Knowledge of special education law, the ADA and the processes that govern special education proceedings preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Inform parents / guardians of their child’s rights and suggest appropriate special education services and programs to meet their needs
• Facilitate understanding of the child’s educational needs by explaining reports in plain / native language to families and educators
• Help families prepare for 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
• Educates oneself on relevant resources, benefits, support services, educational plans, programs, and trainings in the community and utilizes this information to educate parents of children with special needs
• Promote community and institutional advancement by representing the rights, desires and interests of individuals with developmental disabilities with the community, educational institutions, and / or other relevant agencies and service providers.
• Assists Social Services Administrator with network within the special needs community and community outreach to market program, establish and maintain relationships with community partners, and recruit clients
• Maintains accurate case notes on services delivered, develops service plans with parents, and tracks and submits monthly billing
• Assures that the program is in compliance with contractual requirements, utilization of program units, funding, Company policies and procedures and all applicable state and federal laws.
• Collaborates with Social Services team members from other programs and departments to cross refer clients and ensure clients are benefitting from all relevant BCC programs
• Assist clients to access appropriate benefits and basic needs; appropriate medical, mental health and substance use treatment providers
• Provide crisis intervention for immediate housing needs, medical, mental health and substance use issues
• Assists with the development, implementation, and administration of the Advocacy Program.
• Assist with any community inquiries on all agency services, client referrals to community resources, and represent the program at occasional community events and / or presentations
• Maintains appropriate records and reporting for the Advocacy Program.
• Seeks guidance from the Social Services Administrator when appropriate.
• Attend all Social Services Department in-service training and community workshops / seminars when needed.
• Flexibility of working hours will be required to meet the child and family’s needs which include evening (2-3 per week) and weekend hours as needed
• Other duties may be assigned.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Florida Driver's License

CPR and First Aid

BCC / CCC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.