Salary:
$43,709.16 per year
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or a related field AND one (1) year of experience working with IEP, 504 plans, and special education issues, or
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is acceptable.
A valid driver’s license is required upon appointment.
Desired Qualifications:
- Direct personal or professional experience with communities impacted by systemic bias or economic exclusion.
It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Juvenile, the Education Advocate works closely with youth, families, juvenile defender staff, and the Education Law Attorney to provide outreach and education to parents and fellow stake holders regarding the legal rights and responsibilities of special education and enrollment matters for delinquent youth in residential placement and within the community.
Overview:
Duties:
- Works closely with youth, families, and juvenile defender staff to address special education and enrollment matters for delinquent youth in residential placement and the community.
- Accompanies parents to IEP, Section 504, and other school meetings.
- Provides advice and assistance to families as needed throughout the IEP and enrollment process.
- Empowers, informs, guides, and educates parents/guardians and students to strengthen their own advocacy skills.
- Assists Education Law Attorney in outreach and education to inform parents and fellow stake holders about education legal rights and responsibilities.
- ?Performs additional duties as needed or assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Special education, IEP, and Section 504 plans.
- Racial equity and inclusion principles
Skill in:
- Word, Excel, and other related software, such as case management software.
Ability to:
- Establish positive working relationships with youth, families, juvenile defenders, and various professionals in the education field.
- Motivate youth and families to strive for academic success.
- Work independently, multi-task, utilize good time-management.
- Maintain civil relationships with all clients, co-workers, judges, court personnel, opposing counsel, law enforcement officers, witnesses and the general public.
- Recognize ways that race, and other identities intersect in the work and communities the Office of the Public Defender serves.
- Communicate about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, or gender in plain, specific terms.
- Understand the historical context for racial inequity and its present-day implications.
Residency:
Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference:
Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D