Special Needs Advocate

BROWARD CHILDRENS CENTER • Pompano Beach, FL

21h • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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 with persons with disabilities.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children with special needs.
• Valid Florida Driver's License
• First Aid/CPR
• HIV/Aids
• HIPAA
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively to clients or employees of organization.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of special education law, the ADA and the processes that govern special education proceedings preferred.

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
• Educate oneself on relevant resources, benefits, support services, educational plans, programs, and trainings in the community and utilize 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.
• Assist Social Services Director with network within the special needs community and community outreach to market program, establish and maintain relationships with community partners, and recruit clients
• Maintain accurate case notes on services delivered, develops service plans with parents, and tracks and submits monthly billing
• Assure 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.
• Collaborate with Social Services team members from other programs and departments to cross refer clients and ensure clients are benefitting from all relevant BCC programs
• Facilitates client access to community resources, including locating recreational activities, housing, food, clothing, school programs, vocational opportunities or services, life skills providers, and relevant mental health services; assists client to develop natural resources and make contact with social support networks.
• 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 Director 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 as assigned.

Benefits

• Step Up Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (Pre-K up to 8th grade).
• Private Therapy Services for those that qualify.
• Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included.
• School Readiness Program (for children ages 1 up to 3 years old).
• Early Steps Therapy Services for those that qualify.
• Employee Daycare (for ages 1 year through 5 years old), available at $150 per week, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Childcare when Broward County has non-school days (winter break, spring break, thanksgiving break), with the exception of major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas day, etc.).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees