Student and Family Advocate

Position: Student and Family Advocate (Part-Time or Full Time) - SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Job Description:

Student and Family Advocates within the SUNY Polytechnic Liberty Partnership Program (LPP) are dedicated school-based staff members supporting students aged 5th
-12th grade through provision of academic, social emotional and career based LPP program services. Student and Family Advocates are responsible for connecting LPP students and families with necessary resources and support systems to overcome barriers to academic success, promote social emotional development and achieve posts-secondary education and or workforce goals. SUNY Polytechnic's LPP program serves six Herkimer County school districts including;
Frankfort-Schuyler, Herkimer, Little Falls, Dolgeville, Mount Markham and Central Valley. Both Part-time and Full-time positions operate on a 12-month schedule.

Full-time Student and Family Advocates are based in a minimum of two out of the six contracted Herkimer County school districts are responsible for traveling weekly to a multiple times per week to deliver direct programming, student services, and family engagement activities. These positions require flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to effectively manage responsibilities across multiple school sites and community settings.

Part-time Student and Family Advocates are based in one out of the six contracted Herkimer Count school districts and are expected to travel twice weekly to provide direct student services, outreach activities, and programmatic support. Remaining hours are completed at the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Liberty Partnerships Program office in Utica. This is a part-time position consisting of 20 hours per week and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success through direct engagement, mentorship, and advocacy.

Key responsibilities of an LPP Student and Family Advocate may include:

Case Management:

Each LPP Student and Family advocate carries a caseload of enrolled students within each district. Advocates assist in the assessment of student's goals and social emotional competencies annually, developing personalized support plans, collection and report of student specific data and monitoring progress throughout their time in the program.

Family Engagement:

Engaging with parents/guardians to seek consent for program and event participation and sharing relevant student updates as well as upcoming opportunities.

Academic Support:

Identifying academic challenges, connecting students with tutoring or additional academic resources, providing academic support as needed within capabilities and monitoring academic performance. Activities include one on one academic support meetings and tutoring sessions after or during school hours in group or individual settings including implementation of homework help programs.

College and Career Preparation:

Advising students on post-secondary options, assisting with college applications, resumes, and exploring career pathways. Advocates will also assist in implementation of planned career development events with students including career development days and annual LPP summer camp which focus on career and education exploration through interactive and engaging camps hosted at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Social-Emotional Support:

Addressing student concerns related to mental health with capabilities, family dynamics, or peer relationships, and making appropriate referrals when necessary. Organization and facilitation of social emotional groups including students to promote social emotional skill building may be required depending on district site.

Community Outreach:

Collaborating with local organizations to provide additional support services to students and families. Activities include attendance with community events for students and their families periodically.

Advocacy:

Representing student program progress at school-based meetings as needed, assisting in advocacy for necessary accommodations, and navigating school-based systems to ensure students receive appropriate support if necessary.

Important aspects of the role:

Communication skills:

Effectively communicating with students, parents, school staff, and community partners is essential. Effective collaboration with other LPP staff, teachers, external school support staff, and school counseling teams to coordinate student support services.

Cultural competency:

Ability to build rapport with diverse families and understand cultural considerations.

Time Management:

Effective management of time and schedule to meet established student goals and student engagement requirements as well as LPP staff responsibilities

Transportation:

Travel is required for both full-time and part-time positions to embedded school districts to provide programming and services.

Hourly rate: $20.19 - $21.63

Requirements:

* Bachelors of Arts or Science Degree; preferably in education, psychology, sociology, human services or related field with two years of relevant experience.

* Basic Computer Skills (Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel)

* Travel…