Youth Education Advocate

Job Overview

RAMP’s Youth Education Advocates (YEA) assist parents/guardians of youth with disabilities in realizing that there are no limits to what they can do. Staff provide students and their families with the skills and information they need to ensure that the child receives a fair and equitable education like their peers without disabilities. RAMP teaches students/families how to communicate and advocate effectively.

Advocates also work with school district staff to help them understand their responsibilities to children with disabilities and how to accommodate their educational needs appropriately. This YEA position focuses on serving youth in Winnebago County who have mental health conditions that are impacting their access to a free appropriate public education.

• RAMP Disability Resources & Services is a non-residential Center for Independent Living with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP’s work is guided by our commitments to inclusion, participation, accountability, and autonomy.

• Reports directly to the Youth Services Director.

• Home office located in Rockford, IL, with hybrid work opportunity.

• Help students and their families understand their disability, how it affects them, their rights, and how to effectively advocate for their needs.
• Attend meetings (IEP, 504, etc.) with families to teach them how to become effective advocates.
• Assist families with navigating community resources to assist with their goals.
• Maintain a caseload and contact families regularly to assist with progressing through goals.
• Promote acceptance and belonging for youth with disabilities.

• Research ADA, IDEA, Illinois Special Education Law 226, OCR, and other resources for updated and additional information.
• Continue personal and professional development through educational opportunities, attending workshops, conferences, etc.

• Work with the various school districts to create collaborative relationships.
• Attend and conduct networking activities with other agencies, service providers, and organizations to ensure that consumer needs are met.

• Maintains 70%
  -85% of their time logged in CILs database for time engaged with consumers.
• Achieve an average satisfaction rating of 85% or higher from students and families regarding services received.
• Maintain regular monthly contact with 95% accuracy on case notes.
• Complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education and training related to your role.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner
• Superb mediation skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to advocate effectively and assertively with participants with disabilities and the community without controlling or inserting your own choices
• Ability to ensure adequate recording and reporting of case management information

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred; candidates without a degree may qualify with three (3) years of equivalent experience in a similar field of work.
• Literacy in word processing and data entry.
• Ability to use/learn Microsoft Office programs:
  Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines.
• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization.
• Personal experience and/or intimate knowledge of and belief in the Independent Living Philosophy;
• Self-motivated.
• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening, and some weekend hours, if needed.
• Knowledge of the educational system and educational laws.
• Knowledge of educational…