Tides Family Services is a nonprofit organization that is committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to children, adolescents, and families facing various challenges. The overall mission of Tides is to provide services and supports that allow youth to live in a community-based setting. An "Agency Without Walls" our services are delivered in homes, communities, schools...wherever our youth are. 
 

TITLE:  Educational Advocate

BENEFITS STATUS: Full Time, Benefits Eligible

PAY STRUCTURE: Salaried, Exempt 

REPORTING STRUCTURE: The Educational Advocate will report to the Program Director.

 The Educational Advocate is a vital member of the Tides Family Services team.  The Educational Advocate assists caregivers and students with disabilities in the special education system in accessing the accommodations and equal educational opportunities afforded by law. The Educational Advocate will be responsible for providing direct educational advocacy for clients and caregivers in a variety of areas of need including special education, civil rights, bullying, and disciplinary matters. The Educational Advocate must be self-motivated, community-driven, and task oriented. This is a full-time, Monday through Friday position with some nights and/or weekends required for time sensitive events. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Providing support to parents through consultation services, evaluation review, and drafting of letters.
• Help families/caregivers prepare for meetings with schools including considering goals, reviewing documentation, and developing advocacy strategies.
• Help families make informed decisions by acting as their advocate regarding their educational rights.
• Provide training, guidance, and support for Tides clinical staff as needed as well as partner agencies and school departments.
• Develop effective working relations and cooperate with the care team throughout the entire case management process.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners, school administrators, and families in order to promote the best interest of the client within the school environment.
• Demonstrate and integrate a strong understanding and commitment to the Tides  Mission. 
• Maintain accurate and accessible reports, files and statistics as required by the initiative.
• Perform additional responsibilities consistent with initiative needs and other duties as assigned in support of the Tides Family Services Mission.

• Knowledge of special education law, the ADA, and the processes that govern special education proceedings.  
• A Bachelor’s degree in education, social work or other related field and 3 years of relevant experience working with at-risk youth and marginalized populations or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent.
• Bi-lingual Fluency (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and at least one other language required. 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Confidence in informing parents/guardians of their child’s rights and suggesting appropriate special education services and programs to meet their needs.
• The ability to facilitate an understanding of the child’s educational needs by explaining reports in plain language to families and educators.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills that demonstrate an ability to collaborate with diverse populations including families, youth, schools, and other community stakeholders.
• The ability to advocate zealously on behalf of clients.
• Ability to connect with youth and recognize the importance of youth voice and experience.
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook/Gmail. 
• Ability to prioritize workflow and handle multiple projects to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Must possess good verbal, written and telephone skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as an effective team member.
• Must be flexible to work between a variety of in person and virtual meetings/worksites.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Tides Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values our diverse workforce and encourages all mission driven candidates to apply.