About the Organization

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. This position will work in a nonprofit fund accounting environment, managing revenue and expense for all individual gifts. Institutional giving is managed by the Institutional Giving team.

 Why Join the Team?

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. 

Position Summary: The Transition Advocate will provide both advocacy and transition services to Syracuse City youth referred to CCA’s Youth Services’ Transition Advocacy Program returning to school and/or community. The Transition Advocate will work with youth to provide advocacy and transition services for those referred to a Superintendent’s Hearing, and also those transitioning from a 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.

Direct Supervisor: Project Director

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist youth referred to CCA’s Transition Advocacy Program in navigating academic, legal, social services, and medical/mental health systems.
• Inform and ensure youth and parents/guardians facing a superintendent’s disciplinary hearing are aware of their rights and responsibilities as outlined in Education Law 3214 and SCSD’s Code of Conduct.
• Provide support to youth 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 youth’s misbehavior in accordance with the SCSD Code of Conduct.
• Assist parents, youth, 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 youth who are returning to mainstream school/community 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 youth, family members and school staff and/or community supports to review pertinent records to develop an individualized Plan.
• Collaborate with school staff/community supports to advocate for and support youth success and to address any emerging or ongoing concerns.
• Follow-up to engage youth for up to 6 months following their transition back to mainstream school and/or community, track progress and provide referrals to the school district and/or other community supports to ensure a successful transition.
• 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.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals who possess a strong commitment to CCA’s mission, including those with relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or justice involvement:
Qualifications:

• 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 skillful 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
• Valid NYS driver’s license
• Bi-lingual skills a plus
• All new hires will be subject to a NYS Department of Education background check upon acceptance of position.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment. 
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• 3% retirement contribution regardless of employee contribution, applicable to salary after the 1st 6 months of employment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

CCA Website: HERE