RAMP’s Youth Education Advocates (YEA) assist parents/guardians of youth with disabilities in realizing that there are no limits to what they can do. Staff provide students and their families with the skills and information they need to ensure that the child receives a fair and equitable education like their peers without disabilities. RAMP teaches students/families how to communicate and advocate effectively. Advocates also work with school district staff to help them understand their responsibilities to children with disabilities and how to accommodate their educational needs appropriately. This YEA position focuses on serving youth in Winnebago County who have mental health conditions that are impacting their access to a free appropriate public education. 

Organization Info: RAMP Disability Resources & Services is a non-residential Center for Independent Living with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP’s work is guided by our commitments to inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy. 

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Youth Services Director. 

Position Location: Home office located in Rockford, IL, with hybrid work opportunity. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Student and Family Support 

• Help students and their families understand their disability, how it affects them, their rights, and how to effectively advocate for their needs.  
• Attend meetings (IEP, 504, etc.) with families to teach them how to become effective advocates. 
• Assist families with navigating community resources to assist with their goals. 
• Maintain a caseload and contact families regularly to assist with progressing through goals. 
• Promote acceptance and belonging for youth with disabilities. 

Education & Advocacy Research 

• Research ADA, IDEA, Illinois Special Education Law 226, OCR, and other resources for updated and additional information. 
• Continue personal and professional development through educational opportunities, attending workshops, conferences, etc. 

Collaboration & Community Engagement 

• Work with the various school districts to create collaborative relationships. 
• Attend and conduct networking activities with other agencies, service providers, and organizations to ensure that consumer needs are met. 

Performance Metrics 

• Maintains 70% -85% of their time logged in CILs database for time engaged with consumers. 
• Achieve an average satisfaction rating of 85% or higher from students and families regarding services received. 
• Maintain regular monthly contact with 95% accuracy on case notes. 
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education and training related to your role. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner 
• Superb mediation skills 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to advocate effectively and assertively with participants with disabilities and the community without controlling or inserting your own choices 
• Ability to ensure adequate recording and reporting of case management information 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred; candidates without a degree may qualify with three (3) years of equivalent experience in a similar field of work. 
• Literacy in word processing and data entry. 
• Ability to use/learn Microsoft Office programs: Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines. 
• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization. 
• Personal experience and/or intimate knowledge of and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy; 
• Self-motivated. 
• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening, and some weekend hours, if needed. 
• Knowledge of the educational system and educational laws. 
• Knowledge of educational disparities the youth with disabilities encounter. 
• Knowledge and understanding of severe mental illness, severe emotional/behavioral disabilities, and childhood-related substance abuse disorders. 
• Bi-lingual preferred, but not mandatory. 

Compensation and benefits 

• Salaried Non-Exempt: 26 bi-weekly pay dates, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week to meet results. 
• Salary Range: based on experience $36,720 - $38,556.  
• Supportive Work Culture: Be part of an inclusive, compassionate, and respectful work environment that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth. 
• Mileage and Expense Reimbursement: All job-related mileage and qualifying expenses are reimbursed.  
• Full Benefits Package:  

2 weeks of PTO, accrued over 26 pay periods, available after 90 days 

2 weeks of sick/wellness time, accrued over 26 pay periods, available immediately, upon accrual 

14 observed holidays, including a floating holiday 

Holiday Gift Week, paid time off between Christmas and New Years 

401K program with employer match, currently 3%, with ROTH option. 

Comprehensive health insurance coverage, partially covered by RAMP 

Vision and Dental insurance coverage, dental partially covered by RAMP 

Life Insurance Coverage, covered by RAMP 

Supplemental Voluntary Coverage options including Accident, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Assistance. 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all family members 

• Performance-Based Work Model: Complete autonomy in determining how and when to meet your work outcomes, promoting a healthy work-life balance. 

Work and Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times; 
• Must be able to access and navigate each office location and area schools as needed. 

Last Revised: 12.11.2025