Transition Advocate

About the Organization

The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with people across New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration, criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership of directly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all New Yorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance.

The Transition Advocate will provide both advocacy and transition services to Rochester City School District (RCSD) students referred to/recruited into CCA’s Transition Advocacy Program in Rochester. The Transition Advocate will work with students to provide advocacy services for students and families who are referred to a RCSD process to address allegations that the student violated the Code of conduct, including but not limited to Superintendent meetings, and mediations with school personnel.

Additionally, the Transition Advocate will provide transition services to students returning to mainstream school from 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.

• Inform and ensure students and parents/guardians facing a superintendent’s disciplinary hearing are aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in Education Law 3214 and RCSD’s Code of Conduct
• Provide support to students 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 student’s misbehavior in accordance with the RCSD Code of Conduct
• Assist parents, students, 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 students who are returning to mainstream school 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 student, family members and school staff to review pertinent records to develop an individualized return to school plan
• Collaborate with school district staff to advocate for and support student success and to address any emerging or ongoing concerns
• Follow-up to engage students for up to 6 months following their transition back to mainstream school, track progress and provide referrals to the school district and other community supports to ensure a successful transition to mainstream school
• 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

• 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 skilled 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 throughout Rochester
• Valid NYS driver’s…