Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Lead Student Advocate P/T

Non_Bargaining

LSAPT1

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

NB108

Hourly

$24.88

$31.73

$38.57

Job Description

Performs responsible paraprofessional work promoting the social, personal, and academic success of students. Assists students and families identified by the school administration to recommend and coordinate appropriate intervention; focuses on developing positive relationships in conjunction with the community, school, and in-home-based support; monitors the quality of services for youth and families; and ensures that they align with the needs expressed by families and observed by team members. Must exercise discretion. Monitors and documents caseload progress. Work is performed under established guidelines and the direction of the program manager. Performance is reviewed through reports, meetings, and outcomes achieved.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Education, or closely related field and one (1) year experience promoting the social, academic, or personal success of students between the ages of birth through twenty-six required; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Previous experience in the human services field preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required. Valid Florida Driver's License required. Must pass criminal background check and polygraph. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Depending on assigned area: Develops steps/strategies for students that involve student active participation in intervention or enrichment programs offered at the school level, with Kidz Zone and/or partner organizations, and area community-based organizations. Implements diverse recruitment strategies to attract students to programs and trips, including recruitment dinners, school referrals, and word-of-mouth promotions.

Works closely with other staff or partners to assume that their students receive the necessary support. MBK advocates identify members who require mental health counseling and assist parents in registering them accordingly.

Adheres to one-on-one and small group tutoring/advising schedule created in collaboration with the Academic Coordinator and school level staff. Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to advocate for students and coordinate services.

Provides content specific tutoring or test preparation based on student input and a review of homework assignments, progress reports, and report cards. MBK advocates develop and implement intervention plans customized to address the individual requirements of students, in partnership with educators, and regularly communicate with school administrators regarding the behavior, academics, and any pressing matters of MBK members.

Facilitates small group sessions organized around study skills or facilitates a book club with journaling. May provide mentorship; navigate educational challenges; collaborate with school staff regarding deficiencies; promote pro-social behavior and responsible decision making; and help develop conflict resolution skills.

Ensures students are attending school and classes on time; provides transportation if needed. Bridges the gap between parents and the school so parents are aware of the things going on in the school. Schedules low-interference classroom observations where necessary; schedules and/or participates in a team or individual teacher meetings concerning student progress. Supports students' extracurriculars including sports, concerts, etc. Steps in to help parents take students places as they may not be able to do because of work. MBL advocates get members to participate in weekly program partners. Subsequently, the MBK advocate is responsible for ensuring each member is safely escorted home following the program. Works on programs to reduce truancy.

Depending on assignment: Supports Kidz Zone agency-wide programs and events; creates an action plan in the fall and spring semesters that aligns with the academic and social goals set during one-on-one meetings.

Develops and maintains partnerships with the students’ schools, partner organizations, and parents.

Reviews high school options with students and includes that in the goal setting process.

Identifies students with an interest and aptitude for magnet or specialized programs. Provides guidance and support to help students explore their passions, develop skills, and pursue post-secondary education and career goals.

Depending on assignment: Enhances graduation rates by actively tracking graduation requirements, managing test dates, securing test waivers, and facilitating test payments when needed. Supports students and families in the application process for P/SAT Prep; identifies and registers students beginning in the 8th grade for P/SAT Prep. Organizes and facilitates college tours, visits, and preview days for students, guiding them through the process. Completes online career surveys annually. Facilitates students’ completion of the college portfolio assignment for their grade-level.

Facilitates monthly small group sessions organized around Life Skills and College/Career Exploration. Equips students for life after graduation, covering areas such as career planning, social skills, financial literacy, and health education. Organizes workshops, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities to expose students to entrepreneurial and career pathways. Facilitates internships, job shadowing experiences, and mentorship programs to connect students with professionals in their fields of interest.

Depending on assignment: Monitors and documents the academic progress of each student following the guidelines communicated by the program manager. Maintains student files and completes caseload notes to document student progress. Maintains an average of 30 -35 student caseloads through the duration of the City’s fiscal year. Distributes and reviews weekly and monthly progress reports.

Attends meetings as required.

Depending on assigned area: Documents at least one (1) individualized support session with the established percentage of the student’s legal guardian/ parent on their caseload as a touchpoint into ETO monthly; documents at least one (1) individualized mentoring session with the established percentage of the students on their caseload as a touchpoint into ETO weekly; and ensures that the required percentage of all students receiving Student Advocate Services will have a Life Map started three months after enrollment into this program.

Meets all established deadlines per guidelines; ensures accuracy of work product per guidelines; and responds to all emails and calls within 24/48 hours.

Conducts home visits with student(s) and/ or parent(s); MBK advocates conduct required home visits for MBK members who are suspended from school.

Monitors attendance for programs and field trips to ensure maximum participation and engagement. MBK advocates attend all parent-teacher conferences, Level 4 meetings, and Juvenile Justice Court appearances.

Participates in professional development trainings and shares best practices with other lead student advocates.

MBK advocates conduct a morning huddle to assess the emotional well-being of younger brothers, inquire about their sentiments, and identify any support they may require at the start of the day; conducts a weekly 15-minute check-in with each MBK student called a Brother-to-Brother.

MBK: Develops and implements behavior management plans tailored to the needs of each student. Advocates for alternatives to suspension and expulsion, such as restorative justice practices and supportive interventions. Collaborates with school administrators and staff to address disciplinary issues in a constructive and equitable manner. Provides advocacy and support during disciplinary proceedings to ensure fair treatment and due process. Identifies at-risk students and intervenes early to prevent involvement with the juvenile justice system. Collaborates with community organizations, law enforcement, and juvenile justice agencies to provide wraparound support and diversionary programs. Advocates for trauma-informed approaches and alternatives to incarceration for young men of color.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of youth development and behavior theories and principles, educational intervention, and effective practices and strategies for intervention and prevention of delinquency.

Knowledge of available resources and programs for servicing targeted at-risk youth.

Knowledge of the challenges faced by youth and their families who reside in high poverty, high crime neighborhoods.

Knowledge of methods of building community consensus and leading teams toward the achievement of common goals.

Skilled in assessment and case management.

Skilled in planning, organization, and prioritization.

Skilled in communications (both oral and written).

Skilled in the use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Ability to lead community groups comprised of professionals in education, non-profit, law enforcement, faith, and other disciplines.

Ability to work with and inspire youth and build meaningful relationships with disengaged youth.

Ability to develop, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate programs effectively.

Ability to negotiate effectively with other professionals and with representatives of collaborating community organizations.

Ability to research, analyze, and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Ability to identify complex problems, evaluate situations, review options, resolve issues, make prudent decisions, and deal effectively with various and difficult situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with others including managers, staff, clients, other agency specialists and professionals, and the public.

Ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner.

Ability to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

Ability to identify complex problems, evaluate situations, review options, resolve issues, make prudent decisions, and deal effectively with various and difficult situations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with others including managers, staff, clients, other agency specialists and professionals, and the public.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION: N/A.