FFC-Educational Advocate

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Full Time Professional New York, NY, US

Salary: $53,476.75 Annually

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually.

We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

The Education Specialist provides educational advocacy, conducts academic performance monitoring, and makes referrals to quality tutoring and extracurricular activities. The Education Specialist also provides individualized assistance with the middle school selection processes to all 5th grade students and their families. The Specialist will ensure that the list of middle schools the student is submitting are quality, best‑fit schools.

• Follow up regularly with Tutor Coaches regarding the students’ performance, needs, and any concerns.
• Connect students to after school and summer extracurricular activities.
• Consistently update the Care 4 platform with contacts, tutoring updates, and any relevant information regarding students, for example: how students are progressing academically, the outcome of IEP meetings, middle school application and/or promotion in doubt.
• Work with elementary age students and their families, providing educational advocacy and ensuring students are receiving the supports/services they need to succeed.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools; provide advocacy on behalf of students.
• Work with Case Planner, foster parent, birth parent/caregiver and tutor to address educational concerns.
• As needed, request referrals for IEP evaluations and behavioral/academic supports within the school.
• Negotiate with DOE staff to ensure the implementation of recommended and appropriate educational services.
• Ensure school stability if a student is relocating homes.
• Collect, review, and track NYC DOE monthly data on attendance, grades, promotion status, school enrollment, tutoring history, etc.
• Use data to identify struggling students.
• Work with Case Planners and parents to ensure improved attendance, and/or provide additional academic supports.
• During the Middle School application process, the Education Specialist will ensure that when applying for middle school, the list of schools the student is submitting are quality, best‑fit schools, and will record this list of schools in the online platform.
• The Specialist is responsible for guiding the process as much as possible, establishing trust, explaining its importance, and providing information/guidance when a selection may not be appropriate.

• Bachelor’s Degree and knowledge of child welfare system
• 1 year of experience (preferred)
• Good verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Computer proficiency, knowledge of Connections
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Personal days

• Medical - 3 plan options
• Dental - 2 plan options

Clinic/Field/Corporate Office

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday in Brooklyn or Bronx. Work hours options are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in-person in New York City (NY) for at least 3 days or more per week.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required)

• Application reviewed by Talent Acquisition…