Student Advocate at Maya Angelou Academy SY

About this position

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice‑involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well‑being, and preparation for the post‑Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

Visit our website forever.org.

Site Description

The New Beginnings Youth Development Center (New Beginnings) is the District of Columbia’s long‑term juvenile detention center for male and female youth, responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by the DC Superior Court.

Position Overview

The Student Advocate supports the successful transition of youth from a juvenile detention facility back into their home schools, communities, and support systems. The position serves as a bridge between the facility‑based school program, families, community schools, and community‑based organizations to ensure continuity of educational services and reduce barriers to successful reentry. Responsibilities include coordinating school enrollment and educational transition planning, monitoring student progress for 90 days post‑release, maintaining communication with key stakeholders, and advocating for students’ access to educational, behavioral, and community support.

Develop and implement individualized re‑entry and transition plans for students preparing for release from the juvenile detention facility. Assist students and families in identifying appropriate educational placements and support services upon release. Facilitate enrollment and re‑enrollment into community schools, alternative programs, GED programs, vocational training, or postsecondary opportunities. Ensure timely transfer of educational records, including transcripts, credits, IEPs, evaluations, behavior intervention plans, and other required documentation.

Monitor student attendance, engagement, behavior, and academic progress for up to 90 days following release. Conduct regular check‑ins with students, families, and school personnel to identify and address barriers to successful reintegration. Maintain documentation of student progress, interventions, referrals, and follow‑up activities. Provide advocacy and problem‑solving support related to transportation, enrollment challenges, attendance concerns, school discipline issues, and access to services.

Serve as the primary liaison between the juvenile detention facility school program and families, community schools, and external stakeholders. Build positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians to support student transition and engagement. Communicate regularly with community school districts, special education departments, social service agencies, workforce programs, and behavioral health providers. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and case conferences as needed.

Support students in developing self‑advocacy, goal‑setting, and transition readiness skills. Promote trauma‑informed, culturally responsive, and restorative practices in all interactions with students and families. Introduce students to Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings, conducting welcome interviews, tours, discussions about school culture and expectations, and group sessions and team‑building activities. Maintain a working knowledge of community resources available to students and families.

Maintain accurate student transition records and case notes in accordance with agency and confidentiality requirements. Track and report re‑entry outcomes, including enrollment status, attendance, credit recovery, and engagement indicators. Prepare reports and updates for leadership regarding transition outcomes and identified student needs. Support compliance with IDEA, FERPA, McKinney‑Vento, and other applicable federal and district regulations.

Other Duties as Assigned

Tasks that may not…