Supervisor of Family and Student Advocacy Services (TX) Texas School for the Deaf

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Length of position: 12 months per year

Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM

SUMMARY

The Supervisor of Family and Student Advocacy Services will be responsible for the Family and Student Advocacy Services Department under Student Support Services in advocating for the needs of families and students within our community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social services, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals to navigate and access resources effectively.

This position requires good interpersonal and organizational skills, strong ethical practices, and the ability to communicate effectively as a Supervisor and has administrative control over family and student advocacy services, reporting directly to the Director of Student Support Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead and supervise a team of family and student advocates, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to ensure the delivery of high-quality advocacy services.
Develop and implement advocacy strategies and initiatives to address the diverse needs of families and students, including but not limited to education, healthcare, housing, and social services.
Collaborate with community organizations, schools, government agencies, and other stakeholders to identify resources, opportunities, and solutions for families and students facing various challenges.
Provide direct advocacy support to families and students, including conducting assessments, developing action plans, and advocating on their behalf with relevant agencies and institutions.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy programs and services, collect data, and prepare reports to track outcomes and inform program improvement.
Stay informed about relevant policies, regulations, and trends in the field of family and student advocacy, and ensure compliance with all legal and ethical standards.
Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and other events related to family and student advocacy, and serve as a spokesperson for our mission and values.
Completes other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field
Five years-experience in social services, advocacy, or related roles
At least two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity in the relevant field
Strong understanding of issues affecting families and students, including poverty, homelessness, mental health, and educational disparities
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse populations
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement advocacy strategies, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
Sign Language: The ultimate required proficiency level for the position using the levels designated in the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) is ADVANCED. If hired with a sign language proficiency level below this level, you are required to participate in signed communication learning opportunities on a regular basis until you have achieved the sign language proficiency level assigned to your position.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

Master’s degree in a related social service field from an accredited college or university
Three or more years of experience in supervision of staff
Five years-experience as a social worker, case manager, or family liaison in a school environment
Experience working with deaf individuals (including children)
Experience working with school and community stakeholders and agencies to coordinate services

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES/ATTRIBUTES

Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

SUPERVISOR

Director of Student Support Services

MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE:

Program Supervisor VI, See page 3 of https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.pdf