Education Advocate, Immigrant Students' Rights Project

Advocates For Children (AFC) is a dynamic social justice organization that strives to ensure a high-quality education for New York students who face barriers to academic success, focusing on students from low-income backgrounds. AFC works on behalf of children and youth who are at greatest risk of academic failure due to poverty, race, ethnicity, disability, homelessness, immigration status/limited English proficiency, or involvement in the child welfare or juvenile/criminal legal systems. We use uniquely integrated strategies to advance systemic reform, empower families and communities, and advocate for the educational rights of individual students.

AFC grounds our work in our organization’s values: Family-Centered: We listen to what families want for their children and empower them with information and support. Expertise: W e ground our advocacy in more than 50 years of experience with the NYC public schools and deep knowledge of the legal and education systems affecting the students and families we serve. Passion: We are united by our unrelenting drive to dismantle obstacles to education and our unwavering dedication to NYC’s students and families.

Community: We foster collaboration and inclusive practices within our team and with outside partners so we can learn from different perspectives and unite in advancing our common goals. Justice: We view the law as a powerful tool to bridge gaps in access to education and help families from under-represented communities fight for their rights. Impact: We recognize that our value lies in the difference we make in the lives of students and their families and push ourselves to achieve concrete results.

org . Job Summary AFC seeks an Education Advocate in our Immigrant Students’ Rights Project (ISRP) . ISRP works to protect the education-related rights of underserved immigrant families.

Immigrant families face unique obstacles in NYC public schools related to their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. We are looking for an advocate to join our team to serve immigrant families of children with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs). The Education Advocate will report directly to ISRP’s Project Director.

Responsibilities

Assisting families with school related issues such as special education, school enrollment, bilingual programs, and bullying; Conducting intakes of new clients; Participating in school meetings and school visits; Providing know-your-rights trainings to families across New York City and staffing tables at information fairs; Locating and connecting families with resources in their communities; Drafting and updating informational materials for immigrant parents; and Supporting ISRP policy advocacy efforts as needed.

Qualifications

Understanding of and alignment with AFC’s mission. org . Desire to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism principles.

A bachelor's degree. Fluency in Spanish. Organized, detail oriented, and able to work independently on tasks and deliverables Experience working with children or families preferred.

Strong presentation skills and comfort with public speaking. Strong writing ability and analytical skills. Ability to explain complex concepts in a manner that is easy to understand.

Ability to multi-task and respond to changing needs. Available to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel within the five boroughs. Proficient in Microsoft Office programs: Word, Outlook, SharePoint How to Apply Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting why they are interested in this role at AFC and how their experience aligns with the Education Advocate position, including any personal or professional experience that demonstrates your connection to the populations that AFC serves.