Education & Language Advocacy Specialist

Job Summary

This role supports the parents of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, LateDeafened, and hearing children in navigating the special education system.  The Education & Language Advocacy Specialist provides IFSP, IEP, and ITP guidance before, during, and after meetings and serves as an advocate to ensure each child’s educational and language access needs are understood and addressed. This position also focuses on empowering Deaf parents with children and hearing parents with Deaf* children through education, resources, and advocacy support.

Essential Job Functions

• Minimum of three days per-week on-site presence required


• Provides pre and post IFSP, IEP, and ITP counseling to parents


• Attend IFSP, IEP, and ITP meetings as an advocate alongside families


• Support parents in understanding educational plans, services, and next steps


• Conduct school observations to assess learning environments and language access


• Share Deaf centered language development and access best practices for ages 0 to 22 with emphasis on early childhood and kindergarten readiness


• Consult with the Youth & Family Services Manager on active cases


• Provide families with information about agencies, schools, and special education resources


• Support and participate in parent workshops, webinars, and community education events


• Travel to schools, client locations, and community sites during the workweek as needed


• Maintain accurate and timely client records, case notes, and service data in Salesforce


• Stay current on Deaf education research, best practices, and relevant laws

Other Job Functions

• Support agency and community activities as assigned by the Direct Supervisor


• Submit interpreter requests for assignments in accordance with grant and program requirements


• Assist the Youth & Family Services Manager with public awareness workshops at least two times per year


• Stay informed on current research, best practices, and legislation related to Deaf education and special education


• Share accurate and updated information with families and internal staff

Required Education and Experience

• An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a closely related field


• A minimum of three (3) years of documented professional experience in a relevant educational or clinical setting


• Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and in written English. 


• Experience working with Deaf*children and their families


• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations and procedures 


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills 


• Proficient  language skills in teaching, communication, and written english skills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Ability to work with diverse people from different backgrounds, racial, economic, linguistic, cultural, religious, disability and communication backgrounds


• Must be flexible to work some evenings and weekends


• Access to reliable transportation

Desired Education and Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Deaf Education, Special Education, or a related field; or equivalent experience in above subject matters


• A minimum of five (5) years of documented professional experience in a relevant educational or clinical setting


• Experience conducting technical analysis that considers impacts on multiple communities, including communities of color, and incorporating diverse community perspectives into decision-making processes and outcomes


• Experience working on a diverse team, individuals with different ASL styles and other communication modes, and linguistically and culturally appropriate services delivery methods


• Proficient computer skills including word processing and database management

Benefits

• Employee Full Coverage: Health, Dental and Vision Plans
  
  
  
  • Optional to add members at competitive rates
  
  
  
  


• Life Insurance


• Paid Benefits
  
  
  
  • Twelve (12) Holidays 
  
  
  • Generous Sick Leave
  
  
  • Competitive Vacation Package 
  
  
  • Weekly Wellbeing Hour
  
  
  
  

*Work Location Requirement: This is a primarily in-person position. Must be based within commuting distance of San Leandro for three mandatory in-office days per week. Remote work is only permitted when approved for specific situations and is not a standard benefit. Applicants must live within the Bay Area and be available to meet with clients on short notice. This is a client-facing role requiring regular on-site presence.

Our Workplace Culture

Our workplace culture is a fun, challenging, and caring working environment where you can grow your career. We work together by being inclusive to everyone - including ideas, of people, of points of view. Individually, we are experts at what we do. Collectively, our impact is even greater. You’ll find some of the best and most satisfied staff working for the agency. At DCARA, you will be able to use your experiences, abilities, creativity, and energy to work and discover the talents within yourself as you enrich the lives of Deaf* (Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late-deafened) community members.

Living in the Bay Area

DCARA is located in the beautiful Bay Area / North Coastal of California, known for its large Deaf* community, warm climate, highly educated communities, historic buildings, and an exciting array of activities for everyone, including cultural events, professional sports, trips up and down the Pacific coastline, wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma Valley, hiking around Redwood Giants, and many other community activities. You will also live near many of the world’s Global companies (Google, Apple, Facebook, for example) which are located in the Bay Area. There is no better place to live than California as the world’s fifth largest economy!

Equal Employment Opportunity
DCARA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.  DCARA is an at-will employer and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, including Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf with disabilities, hard of hearing, and late deafened people. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to https://dcara.org/careers/.

Join us in empowering Deaf* communities! Be a leader, an advocate, and a champion for change at DCARA.