AHRC NYC is seeking an Advocacy Program Associate. The Advocacy Program Associate works to uphold the rights of students receiving special education services from New York City Public Schools and other ID/DD service providers, ensuring that students and families experiencing difficulties in accessing appropriate services are well-advised and ably represented in the resolution of these difficulties.
Compensation Package: $55,000-$65,000 per year plus a very generous and comprehensive Benefit package. See Benefit information below.
Schedule: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm...35 hours per week.
ESSENTIAL Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance and information & referral services to parents and professionals seeking help from AHRC NYC Advocacy Office.
- Assist in conducting relevant training workshops for parents/related caregivers.
- Attend SBST, CPSE, CSE and other meetings necessary in promoting and/or ensuring delivery of appropriate services to students and their families.
- Accompany parents/caregivers on school visits as necessary.
- Develop, maintain and enhance Quality Assurance systems that track outcomes of advocacy actions and assess parental/caregiver satisfaction with services.
- Document in timely and precise manner all aspects of advocacy services as required by OPWDD contracts.
- Prepare reports and other written materials as required.
- Attend city-wide coalition meetings and committee meetings under the direction of the Director of Advocacy Services.
- Perform all other job-related activities as needed.
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related human services field required or a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Social Work or related human services field plus 2 years professional work experience, required.
- Working knowledge of Federal IDEA and NYS and NYC Department of Education regulations, as well as special education law and guidelines and an understanding of CPSE/CSE processes required.
- Experience advocating for students with developmental or intellectual disabilities highly preferred.
- Bi-lingual language skills in Spanish highly desirable.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively, as well as establish and maintain relationships, with students, family members, and external professional staff. Includes ability to present verbal information simply and concisely, be a skilled listener, and demonstrate strong writing skills.
- Must have strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, as well as the capacity to make independent decisions and handle time-sensitive and/or stressful situations.
- Flexibility in occasionally working outside of normal “business” hours required.
- Valid Driver’s License helpful.
Benefits:
- Low cost, high quality Medical Insurance (single & family plans)
- 403(b) retirement paln
- 403(b) company match
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off (sick, personal and vacation)
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
AHRC New York City provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants, with employment based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (with or without sexual conduct), age, disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic disposition or carrier status, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as established by law.