Provide advocacy services to eligible youth and/or parents for The Legal Aid Society of Rochester's (LASROC) Education Law Unit. Advocacy services include representation at school conferences, suspension hearings, and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, as well as the provision of information, referral, and technical assistance to parents, youth, and community professionals. Additionally, this person will participate in community outreach, education, and training. Additional duties could include assistance and support to the Education Law Unit.Responsibilities include:
- Undertaking substantive training in New York and Federal Education Law.
- Respond to telephone requests for Youth Advocacy services by providing information, referral, and technical assistance services.
- Identify case goals and objectives upon receiving intake interview information or performing intake interviews should the intake coordinator be unavailable.
- Review third-party records necessary to provide effective advocacy services for clients.
- Represent youth and families in administrative hearings such as school suspensions, or CSE meetings. Advocate for a resolution based on the agreed objectives developed by the Advocate and the client. Prepare documents, case presentations, evidence, and witnesses as required for effective advocacy.
- Prepare complete, accurate, and detailed notes of all client contacts.
- Provide community outreach, education, and training to community partners.
- Meet with the Program Director for case review.
- Complete a monthly report to record advocacy-related activity, documenting the number of people served and the type of services provided.
- Maintain client contact, keep clients informed about the status of their case, and return client telephone contact in a timely manner.
- Travel to school districts to conduct investigations and provide representation and advocacy.
- Participate in Legal Aid Society of Rochester office functions, including program staff meetings and other organizational meetings and trainings.
- Additional duties at the discretion of the Program Director
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services or Education, or a Bachelor's degree in any field with Human Service experience
- Strong attention to detail, organization skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks.
- High level of initiative, self-motivation, and organization.
- Strong negotiating ability.
- Respectful and empathetic consideration for both student and parent clients.
- Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively and accurately.
- High level of initiative and independence.
- Respectful and empathetic consideration for clients.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community partners.
- High level of proficiency with technology, such as Microsoft 365
- Valid NYS driver's license.
- Ability to communicate in a language other than English preferred.
Benefits:
- Hybrid Work schedule
- Paid Lunch Hour
- Employer contributions toward health and dental insurance plans
- 15 days of vacation to start (More based on experience)
- 96 hours of sick leave
- 32 hours of personal time
- 14 paid holidays a year
- $600 per year internet stipend
- 3% match on the 401(k) or Roth 401(k) plan of your choice
- 5% language differential for being proficient in a program-relevant language.
- Professional development opportunities
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualifying employer
The Legal Aid Society of Rochester, NY provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.