Educational Advocate-Youth Services

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• To provide educational advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Advocate for students at CSE Meetings.
• Complete initial intake and assessment.
• Obtain releases, documentation, and additional information from students and/or families.
• Provide information and referral services.
• Document case notes and maintain detailed accurate files.
• Assist families with obtaining OPWDD eligibility and, if needed, Medicaid eligibility.
• Encourage and educate students in self-advocacy.
• Network with organizations, and schools to coordinate services.
• Provide light touch case management to individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid and are not approved for care management to assist them with accessing FSS programs within the two counties.
• Assist in planning and coordinating the Annual Life After High School Conference and/or Transition Fairs.
• Establish and maintain community referral knowledge.
• Maintain working knowledge of disability information and issues and all legislative system changes.

• Two (2) years of experience or more working with parents of children with disabilities in a public or private school and/or community service/agency setting.
• Special education, IDEA, 504, advocacy preferred.
• Mediation, negotiation, planning, community networking, collaboration, oral and written communication, flexibility, organization, public speaking.  
• Computer skills, including Outlook and Microsoft programs.
• Valid Driver License 

• Bachelor’s degree in special education preferred.  
• High school diploma and years of relevant experience (special education) may be considered in lieu of college education.

• PTO – vacation (16-24 days a year based on longevity) Sick leave 12 days a year, and 13 paid holidays
• Ability to work a 4-day schedule after 6 months on the job. Multiple work schedules available
• Wellness program with the ability to earn an additional 3 PTO days a year
• 401K with up to 10% employer investment
• Heavily subsidized health insurance with co-pays Vision and Dental insurance.
• Monthly contribution towards dependent care (to offset childcare costs)
• Company paid Life Insurance and Identity theft protection (LifeLock)
• Free covered parking 
• Additional benefits available

A hard copy of your resume and cover letter may also be forwarded to: RCIL, P.O. Box 210, Utica, NY 13503-0210, Attention: Recruitment.

It is the policy of RCIL to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need assistance or accommodations to fully participate in the interview process, please contact the HR Recruiter at 315-272-1899. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a person’s disability.

RCIL promotes a scent/chemical free environment. To support this effort, we ask that all applicants refrain from wearing scented products while in the office.

RCIL is an equal opportunity employer and it is the policy of RCIL not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

It is RCIL’s policy and agency standard that all employees participate in advocacy for Civil Rights and Agency activities.  Apply today to make a difference!