Educational Advocate (Surrogate Parent)

Position Information

Posting Number NC00837 Position Title Educational Advocate (Surrogate Parent) Division Academic Affairs Division Department Name Sherlock Center on Disabilities Position Type Staff - Non Classified Position Overview

Are you passionate about equity, education, and ensuring every child has a voice? Join Rhode Island College's Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities as an Educational Advocate, where you'll play a critical role in championing the educational rights of children in DCYF care who have-or may have-disabilities.

In this dynamic, student-centered role, you will serve as a trusted advocate and collaborator, working directly with schools, families, DCYF, CASA, and legal partners to ensure students receive the educational supports and services they are entitled to. You'll be deeply involved in the special education process-from reviewing records and initiating evaluations to attending IEP and disciplinary meetings-while monitoring school compliance and helping shape meaningful educational plans.

This position is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented professional who thrives in collaborative environments, understands education and child welfare systems, and is driven by the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality, supportive education. Your work will have real, lasting impact-not only on individual students, but across school systems statewide.

If you're energized by advocacy, skilled in communication and collaboration, and committed to improving outcomes for children with disabilities, this role offers meaningful work with purpose and impact.

Primary Purpose

The individual will serve as an educational advocate for children who are in the care of DCYF and who have or are suspected of having a disability.

Essential Duties

• Provide educational advocacy services to assigned students, including:
• Collecting and reviewing school records, including evaluations, discipline report, attendance records and other relevant information.
• Making referrals for special education evaluation when appropriate. -Visiting schools and observing classrooms for assigned students as appropriate.
• Participating in eligibility team meetings, disciplinary meetings, IEP meetings and other school meetings for assigned students.
• Maintaining familiarity with available resources for students with disabilities in the assigned districts.
• Working cooperatively with various service providers, including CASA and DCYF, regarding educational planning for students.
• Monitoring the performance of local school departments in complying with the IEPs of assigned students
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records, file reports and assist in the preparation of cases with staff attorneys and supervisors. -Provide resources and information to Rhode Island College faculty and students. -Attend IEP meetings and other school meetings as necessary.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as scheduled.

Occasional Duties

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the General and Special Education systems.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the child welfare systems.
• Ability to collaborate with professionals, families and students.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written and electronic).
• Ability to travel and arrange transportation to various public and private school locations throughout Rhode Island.

Required Qualifications

Education: College degree in a discipline related to the education of children or child welfare.

Experience: Three years of experience with children with disabilities or children in child welfare.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in special education or child welfare systems in Rhode Island.
• Bilingual.

Does this position have Direct Reports? No Environmental Conditions

The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.

Off campus facilities may not be accessible to persons who are disabled.

Position Details

FLSA Exempt Salary Grade 9NC Full Time / Part Time Full-time Proposed Starting Salary Range 51,401 Work Schedule

Monday - Friday

8:30- 4:30

Some evenings and weekends

Benefits

Full-time employees enjoy an array of benefits including:

• Health and Wellness - Medical, Dental & Vision
• Wellness Incentives and Rewards
• Paid time Off - Vacation, Sick & Holiday
• Retirement Benefits
• Disability and Insurance Benefits
• Education Benefits - Tuition waivers for RIC, CCRI & URI

For a complete listing, visit Employee Benefits.

Reports To (Title) Coordinator, Educational Advocate Academic or Calendar Year Calendar Position Status Grant-funded End of Temporary or Limited Position 06/19/2027 Collective Bargaining Unit Non-union

Posting Information

Number of Positions Available 1 Application Open Date 03/31/2026 Application Close Date Special Instructions

Please be advised that the college is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship.

AA / ADA Statement

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution that values and is committed to inclusion and to expanding the diversity of its faculty and staff, the College invites members of protected classes, including minorities and persons with disabilities, to identify themselves as such at the time of application.