<p>Class Definition</p> <p>GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:</p> <p>Within the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), to serve as an advocate within the OCA in their capacity to protect the legal, civil, and special rights of all children and youth in State care; to be responsible for the performance of a variety duties; to be responsible for processing and maintaining confidential and sensitive administrative details involving children under DCYF care, ongoing investigations, activities, strategies and initiatives; to exercise discretion regarding related issues and activities; and to do related work as required.</p> <p>SUPERVISION RECEIVED:</p> <p>Works under the general direction of a superior from whom specific assignments are received; work is usually reviewed upon completion for conformance to given instructions and with pertinent laws and regulations.</p> <p>Illustrative Examples of Work Performed</p> <ul> <li>Take the lead on all inquiries provided to the OCA related to educational issues and concerns, and track until issues and concerns are resolved. </li><li>Provide advocacy and support to youth referred to our office, specifically youth experiencing issues pertaining to education. </li><li>Provide advocacy for youth at educational and treatment team meetings to ensure the best interest and needs of assigned youth are being met. </li><li>Provide both written and verbal updates regarding assigned cases. </li><li>Ongoing communication and coordination with all stakeholders and members of a child/youth's treatment and/or education team. </li><li>Ongoing meetings with youth to account for youth voice and experience. </li><li>Develop relationships with educational, vocational, and other community stakeholders. </li><li>To track external data pertaining to education, educational outcomes for children in state care and internal data pertaining to related work within the office, as assigned. </li><li>Utilize data to assist with policy reform, legislative advocacy, presentations, and other assignments as assigned. </li><li>Assist with monitoring, reviewing, and drafting legislation related to education. </li><li>Assist with monitoring, reviewing, and drafting policy related to education. </li><li>Attend staff meetings and provide updates on pending assignments. </li><li>Attend committee meetings and other meetings as assigned. </li><li>Track systemic issues and trends related to education. </li><li>Conduct public education presentations on behalf of the office. </li><li>To do related work as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Required Qualifications for Appointment</p> <p>SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:</p> <ul> <li>A thorough knowledge of the functions and objectives of the Office of The Child Advocate and child welfare system. </li><li>A thorough knowledge and understanding of educational advocacy, including a knowledge an understanding of federal/state laws, policies and protocols pertaining to special education requirements. </li><li>The ability to provide polished work product on an ongoing basis. </li><li>The ability to analyze and evaluate data and to use clear and precise language in the preparation of written reports of findings based on pertinent research work and analysis. </li><li>Interpersonal skills that demonstrate an ability to collaborate with a diverse population and a variety of organizations. </li><li>Ability to connect with youth and an understanding of the importance of youth voice and experience. </li><li>Strong organizational skills. </li><li>The ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. </li><li>Confidence and ability to participate in public speaking engagements. </li><li>Valid driver's license, BCI and CANTS check required. </li></ul> <p>EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:</p> <p>Such as may have been gained through: A Master's Degree in Education, Social Work, or other related field and five (5) years of relevant experience OR;</p> <p>A Bachelor's Education, Social Work, or other related field and eight (8) years of relevant experience.</p> <p>Or: any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.</p> <p>For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.</p> <p>Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.</p> <p>Employer State of Rhode Island</p> <p>Address One Capitol Hill</p> <p>Providence, Rhode Island, 02908</p> <p>Website http://www.apply.ri.gov</p>