Resource and Referral Specialist / Family Educator

Resource and Referral Specialist (RRS) | Family Educator

Borough/regional focus: Brooklyn and Queens

Reports to: Programs Senior Manager or Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Resource and Referral Specialist (RRS) empowers families to navigate special education systems and advocate for their children's development. As part of a borough-based Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center team, the RRS collaborates with fellow specialists and Family Engagement Facilitators (FEFs) to drive positive outcomes for children with disabilities (birth through school age).

The RRS will design and deliver technical assistance, family training, and professional development across the NYC special education community. They will also lead local outreach, cultivate partner networks, and connect families with vital resources. This position requires strong understanding of disability policy and special education, and experience in effective community outreach and engagement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide regional training and support to stakeholders, including families, educational organization (EO) staff, community groups, etc., using the New York State (NYS) Education Department's systematized process. 
• Provide technical assistance to individual families and other stakeholders seeking support and guidance by clarifying issues, addressing barriers, offering information, and supporting person(s) in determining a course of action.
• Identify and maintain resource information about community and agency partners that serve children with disabilities and their families; post the resources and information on community resource maps as appropriate.
• Cultivate new relationships with community and agency partners while building upon existing ones through such activities as attending local coalition meetings and community events and networking with education professionals.
• Partner with other members of the respective FACE Center team to ensure alignment and coordination.
• Participate in professional development and planning meetings with external partners.
• Track and update relevant and necessary information in a secure database.
• Represent INCLUDEnyc at meetings, outreach events, and professional conferences as needed.
• Provide intake support to Help Line callers seeking information and guidance.
• Support other program activities and professionals as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree (NYSED-OSE contract required); Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least 3+ years of experience conducting community outreach.
• Presentation skills and training facilitation experience.
• Experience in family engagement and awareness of family perspectives in educational systems.
• Knowledge of the special education landscape in NYC and familiarity with NYC public schools, with experience working in one or more of the five boroughs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; written and verbal fluency in English required; bilingual fluency preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm, patient, and professional when faced with complex or demanding situations.
• Effective organizational and multitasking skills with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Apps for Business (including Gmail, Docs, Drive, Calendar), and Salesforce (preferred).
• Willingness and ability to travel intra-day and work occasional evenings and weekends to deliver in-person services.  
• Commitment to INCLUDEnyc’s mission of building positive outcomes for young New Yorkers with disabilities.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This position is a union position (OPEIU, Local 153) and, as such, compensation and benefits are subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. The current base salary for this position is $70,000.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a hybrid schedule:  minimum 2 days per week in person at our Manhattan office and/or borough field sites.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.