Special Education Advocate

The Special Education Advocate will possess a thorough understanding of the special education system and work collaboratively with the designated Regional Center’s Service Coordinators (SCs) to provide the highest quality of educational support services. The Special Education Advocate provides direct support, case management, and advocacy to assist clients and their families in navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and ensuring that the client’s educational needs are met.

• Case management in the field (client home, school, library, Regional Centers, park, community center, etc.).
• Meet with client and/or family/primary caregiver. This typically takes place in the home or school environment.
• Review the client’s educational records and develop a thorough understanding of their unique needs to inform appropriate case development.
• Develop case reviews provide regular updates and progress to supervisor(s).
• Attend and participate in case conferencing with CPR-LA team members.
• Engage in relevant meetings with community partners, such as schools, regional centers, and other service providers, to advocate for the client’s needs and facilitate collaboration.
• Research and provide educational material to client and family on IEP advocacy.
• Provide guidance and support to families in navigating the special education system, understanding their rights, and advocating for their child’s needs.
• Implement positive programming strategies and document steps taken.
• Present a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work effectively and in a collaborative manner with clients, professional agencies, and CPR-LA team members.
• Maintain consistent communication with supervisors, family members, and other stakeholders to ensure all parties are informed of the client’s progress and any challenges or concerns.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in all interactions with clients, families, educational providers, and community partners.
• Provide reasonable phone response to client and family inquiries.

The incumbent must have earned, at minimum, an Associate’s degree from an accredited college in psychology, counseling, child development, social work, special education, behavioral science or related field. Candidates may substitute a combination of some college and/or 2 years of relevant experience. At least one year of experience working with persons with developmental disabilities with challenging behaviors is strongly preferred.

• Valid driver’s license and proof of current car insurance with your own reliable means of transportation.
• Clearance of DOJ/FBI background check prior to start of employment.
• Proof of negative tuberculosis screening.