Special Needs Advocate Job Pompano Beach area,Florida USA,Social Work

Special Needs Advocate

Social Services
- Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Position Type Full-Time/Part-Time Job Shift Day

Travel Percentage Road Warrior Category Nonprofit
- Social Services

Description

Under direct supervision of the Social Services Administrator, the Special Needs Advocate is responsible for administering the Advocacy Program services.

The Special Needs Advocate's role is to educate, guide, and coach parents to become their own advocate for their child's special needs services, relevant to community support, ESE programs and IEP development, public benefits, and more.

The incumbent is to focus on the development and expansion of the program through marketing in order to grow client caseload.

Qualifications

Broward Children's Center (BCC) is dedicated to transforming lives by providing specialized care to children and young adults who are medically fragile and developmentally disabled. Our comprehensive services range from 24/7 skilled nursing at our pediatric care facility to developmental education programs, therapeutic support, and family-centered services like respite care, social services, and in-home health support.

With unique programs including ABA therapy, developmental preschools, K-12, Home Health and PPEC outpatient care, BCC ensures each individual receives tailored support to thrive. Our team also takes part in community events, such as our annual 5K and golf tournament, creating a vibrant, mission-driven workplace.

If you're passionate about impactful work and a supportive team environment, BCC may be the perfect place for your career.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, Education or, equivalent combination of education and related experience working in the education advocacy field and/or with persons with disabilities. Minimum of one year of experience working with children with special needs. Knowledge of special education law, the ADA and the processes that govern special education proceedings preferred.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Florida Driver's License

First Aid/CPR

HIV/Aids

HIPAA

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inform parents/guardians of their child's rights and suggest appropriate special education services and programs to meet their needs

Facilitate understanding of the child's educational needs by explaining reports in plain/native language to families and educators

Help families prepare for IEP meetings, including considering goals, reviewing evidence and materials, and help develop strategies

Review special education and section 504 documents, including student files, evaluation assessment reports, IEPs and Section 504 Plans

Accompany parents to IEP, Section 504, and other school meetings and provide advice and assistance as needed throughout the process

Work with parents to get their concerns heard by the district and help resolve disputes that may arise

Educate oneself on relevant resources, benefits, support services, educational plans, programs, and trainings in the community and utilize this information to educate parents of children with special needs

Promote community and institutional advancement by representing the rights, desires and interests of individuals with developmental disabilities with the community, educational institutions, and/or other relevant agencies and service providers.

Assist Social Services Director with network within the special needs community and community outreach to market program, establish and maintain relationships with community partners, and recruit clients

Maintain accurate case notes on services delivered, develops service plans with parents, and tracks and submits monthly billing

Assure that the program is in compliance with contractual requirements, utilization of program units, funding, Company policies and procedures and all applicable state and federal laws.

Collaborate with Social Services team members from other programs and departments to cross refer clients and ensure clients are benefit ting from all relevant BCC programs

Facilitates client access to community resources, including locating recreational activities, housing, food, clothing, school programs, vocational opportunities or services, life skills providers, and relevant mental health services; assists client to develop natural resources and make contact with social support networks.

Provide crisis intervention for immediate housing needs, medical, mental health and substance use issues

Assists with the development, implementation, and administration of the Advocacy Program.

Assist with any community inquiries on all agency services, client referrals to community resources, and represent the program at occasional…