Education Advocate

Education Advocate

The Arc of Chester County is a nonprofit organization with strong ties to our community. If you want to make a direct impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and/or physical disabilities and their families, come join our team!

All employees at The Arc of Chester County are expected to embrace and exemplify our Mission, Vision, and Core Values. The Education Advocate will provide support consistent with The Arc's mission to empower families and individuals to be effective lifelong advocates. The goal is always to maximize independence and support the development of self-determination skills. Position requires the ability to provide educational advocacy through refined communication skills and the ability to relate to a wide variety of people.

Individual must demonstrate dedication to the ideals and values of The Arc, including the assurance and protection of rights, belief in the inherent worth and dignity of the individual, the rights of individuals to make their own choices, the rights of individuals with disabilities to participate in all activities open to the general public, and respect for and recognition of the strengths and needs of individuals and families.

• Participate, collaborate and/or implement The Arc of Chester County's 5-year Strategic Plan.
• Complete all training and qualifications requirements.
• Provide guidance and resources on educational rights, accommodations, and strategies to families.
• Build and maintain relationships with school administrators, educators, service providers, and community organizations to foster collaboration and effective advocacy for students.
• Work with families and school districts to ensure the student has their needs met in an appropriate manner. This includes reviewing documentation, meeting with families to discuss and determine possible goals/outcomes, attending meetings with family/school district and following up with family/school district as necessary.
• Assist families in preparing for transitions, such as moving from elementary to middle school, high school to post-secondary education, or school to employment, ensuring that transition plans are appropriately developed and supported.
• Continuously stay informed on changes in special education law, policies, and educational trends to ensure that advocacy efforts are current and relevant.
• Track all phone and written communication with families/team members/professionals.
• Contribute to and share resources with The Arc Advocacy team.
• Complete all paperwork and data entry accurately and in a timely manner.
• Attend meetings as required and assigned, including staff meetings and individual supervision.
• Participate in Arc sponsored events.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred but not essential.
• Relevant experience in Advocacy, preferably a working/demonstrated knowledge of Special Education Laws and entitlements and the special education process.

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication and writing skills required.
• Ability to work independently, to set priorities and follow through on details.
• Ability to work effectively within a team, building morale and team commitment to goals and objectives, and supporting everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Valid driver's license with reliable vehicle

The Arc of Chester County is a leading provider of a lifetime of programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families, and has been an integral member of Chester County Community for 70 years. Make a difference - work at The Arc!