Special Needs Advocate

Job Details

Job Location:

Social Services - Pompano Beach, FL 33060
Position Type:
Full-Time/Part-Time

Travel Percentage :
Road Warrior

Job Shift: Day
Job Category:
Nonprofit - Social Services

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.

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.

“With your support, Broward Children’s Center (BCC) provides quality programs to infants, children, and young adults who are developmentally disabled and/or medically fragile through a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of children and their families.”

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

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.

• Valid Florida Driver's License
• First Aid/CPR
• HIV/Aids
• HIPAA

• 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…