Educational Advocate

Annual Non-Exempt Salary: $37,849

Job Duties:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• To provide educational advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Advocate for students at CSE Meetings.
• Complete initial intake and assessment.
• Obtain releases, documentation, and additional information from students and/or families.
• Provide information and referral services.
• Document case notes and maintain detailed accurate files.
• Assist families with obtaining OPWDD eligibility and, if needed, Medicaid eligibility.
• Encourage and educate students in self-advocacy.
• Network with organizations, and schools to coordinate services.
• Provide light touch case management to individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid and are not approved for care management to assist them with accessing FSS programs within the two counties.
• Assist in planning and coordinating the Annual Life After High School Conference and/or Transition Fairs.
• Establish and maintain community referral knowledge.
• Maintain working knowledge of disability information and issues and all legislative system changes.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in special education preferred.  
• High school diploma and years of relevant experience (special education) may be considered in lieu of college education.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Two (2) years of experience or more working with parents of children with disabilities in a public or private school and/or community service/agency setting.
• Special education, IDEA, 504, advocacy preferred.
• Mediation, negotiation, planning, community networking, collaboration, oral and written communication, flexibility, organization, public speaking.  
• Computer skills, including Outlook and Microsoft programs.
• Valid Driver License 

Benefits:

• 37.5 hour work week, flexible work schedule menu to include the ability to work: a four-day work week, a four-day work week every other week, or a typical five-day work schedule.
• 16 annual vacation days, 12 annual sick days, and 13 annual paid holidays (now includes Eid-Al-Fitr and Yom Kippur)
• 401K with up to 10% employer investment
• Heavily subsidized health/vision/dental insurance
• Additional benefits available 

Travel Required: Yes           

Location: Utica, NY

RCIL is a civil rights organization that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of independent living and advocacy services through the numerous programs we manage.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.