Position Summary: The Transition Advocate will provide both advocacy and transition services to Syracuse City youth referred to CCA’s Youth Services’ Transition Advocacy Program returning to school and/or community. The Transition Advocate will work with youth to provide advocacy and transition services for those referred to a Superintendent’s Hearing, and also those transitioning from a long-term absence. These absences may be due to a long-term suspension from school, a return from juvenile detention, or a return from jail, prison or juvenile placement.

Direct Supervisor: Project Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist youth referred to CCA’s Transition Advocacy Program in navigating academic, legal, social services, and medical/mental health systems.
• Inform and ensure youth and parents/guardians facing a superintendent’s disciplinary hearing are aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in Education Law 3214 and SCSD’s Code of Conduct.
• Provide support to youth who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 plan.
• Participate in a Manifestation Determination Review as part of the disciplinary proceeding.
• Address underlying issues regarding a youth’s misbehavior in accordance with the SCSD Code of Conduct.
• Assist parents, youth, hearing officers, and district staff (administrators, principals and teachers) in considering restorative interventions and supports that encourage educational success.
• Provide services for the following: informal hearings, informal conferences, short-term suspensions, restorative meetings, local MDR/CSE meetings, transition meetings and family or criminal court proceedings related to school suspensions.
• Support the transition for youth who are returning to mainstream school/community following an absence due to a long-term suspension, a return from juvenile detention, or a return from jail, prison or juvenile placement.
• Conduct youth assessment through one-on-one meetings with the youth, family members and school staff and/or community supports to review pertinent records to develop an individualized Plan.
• Collaborate with school staff/community supports to advocate for and support youth success and to address any emerging or ongoing concerns.
• Follow-up to engage youth for up to 6 months following their transition back to mainstream school and/or community, track progress and provide referrals to the school district and/or other community supports to ensure a successful transition.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Maintain accurate record keeping via case files and designated computer database.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Educational background in social work, education, policy, criminal justice or related field with excellent oral/written communication, and advocacy skills
• A skillful motivational interviewer, with facility in cognitive behavior interventions, prior experience working with and a commitment to at-risk youth including justice-system involved youth.
• Demonstrated cultural competency.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and work in school, home and community settings.
• Valid NYS driver’s license.
• Bi-lingual skills a plus
• All new hires will be subject to a NYS Department of Education background check upon acceptance of position.
• Relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or justice involvement, a plus.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with ability to use after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• 3% retirement contribution regardless of employee contribution, applicable to salary after the 1st 6 months of employment

CCA Website: HERE