Student Transition Advocate

Position Summary:The Transition Advocate will provide both advocacy and transition services to Syracuse City youth referred to CCAs Youth Services Transition Advocacy Program returning to school and/or community. The Transition Advocate will work with youth to provide advocacy and transition services for those referred to a Superintendents Hearing and also those transitioning from a long-term absence. These absences may be due to a long-term suspension from school a return from juvenile detention or a return from jail prison or juvenile placement.

Direct Supervisor:Project Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist youth referred to CCAs Transition Advocacy Program in navigating academic legal social services and medical/mental health systems.
• Inform and ensure youth and parents/guardians facing a superintendents disciplinary hearing are aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in Education Law 3214 and SCSDs Code of Conduct.
• Provide support to youth who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan.
• Participate in a Manifestation Determination Review as part of the disciplinary proceeding.
• Address underlying issues regarding a youths misbehavior in accordance with the SCSD Code of Conduct.
• Assist parents youth hearing officers and district staff (administrators principals and teachers) in considering restorative interventions and supports that encourage educational success.
• Provide services for the following: informal hearings informal conferences short-term suspensions restorative meetings local MDR/CSE meetings transition meetings and family or criminal court proceedings related to school suspensions.
• Support the transition for youth who are returning to mainstream school/community following an absence due to a long-term suspension a return from juvenile detention or a return from jail prison or juvenile placement.
• Conduct youth assessment through one-on-one meetings with the youth family members and school staff and/or community supports to review pertinent records to develop an individualized Plan.
• Collaborate with school staff/community supports to advocate for and support youth success and to address any emerging or ongoing concerns.
• Follow-up to engage youth for up to 6 months following their transition back to mainstream school and/or community track progress and provide referrals to the school district and/or other community supports to ensure a successful transition.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Maintain accurate record keeping via case files and designated computer database.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree preferred.
• Educational background in social work education policy criminal justice or related field with excellent oral/written communication and advocacy skills
• A skillful motivational interviewer with facility in cognitive behavior interventions prior experience working with and a commitment to at-risk youth including justice-system involved youth.
• Demonstrated cultural competency.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and work in school home and community settings.
• Valid NYS drivers license.
• Bi-lingual skills a plus
• All new hires will be subject to a NYS Department of Education background check upon acceptance of position.
• Relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or justice involvement a plus.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff with ability to use after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• 3% retirement contribution regardless of employee contribution applicable to salary after the 1st6 months of employment

CCA Website:HERE