Education Advocate

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

For more than 25 years Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) has provided education and support services to the family members of persons with intellectual, developmental disabilities, and special health care needs. All members of the team have the shared experience of having a child or family member with a disability. Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) staff take pride in their ability to work together to prioritize the needs of caregivers knowing that well-supported and informed families lead to the best outcomes for everyone. Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) maintains its own 501(c)(3) status while being a member of Western NY Independent Living (WNYIL) Family of Agencies.

Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) serves as a Core Community Partner in Starbridge of Rochester’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. As a Core Community Partner, Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) operates a Special Education Information Center to provide information, referral, and training services to parents, professionals and youth about special education rights and responsibilities in the Capital District and Northern NY regions. The program seeks to promote meaningful involvement of families in their children's education programs and access to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment by fostering effective advocacy skills and collaborative partnerships.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide individualized assistance to families and professionals via phone, email, and in-person interactions.

2. Build awareness of special education laws, regulations, resources, and advocacy strategies.

3. Develop and deliver workshops for families and professionals on topics of rights, responsibilities, advocacy, and partnership skills (n-person and via webinar).

4. Coordinate and present the Family Empowerment Series; a 20-hour training course.

5. Conduct community outreach to promote Parent to Parent of NYS (P2PNYS) programs and foster partnerships with agencies and organizations.

6. Share family perspectives and experiences to influence system design and mentor family members in advocacy roles.

7. Maintain online resources, including an e-group for announcements and coordination of the Special Education Information page with event calendars and resources.

8. Track and report on regional activity levels regularly.

9. Participate in ongoing professional development.

10. Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Associate degree in a related human services field

· Associate degree with one (1) year of experience in a human service field.

Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, or in full or part of, academic credentials.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Individuals with lived experience parenting children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Knowledge of special education regulations, the CPSE/CSE process, and special education community support.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

· Valid driver’s license, with a clean driving record, and ability to regularly travel in assigned region.

· Ability to travel overnight to annual P2P staff development retreat (4 days/3 nights.)

· Ability to travel overnight to the annual PTIC retreat once a year in Rochester (2 -days,) which may be outside their region.

· Ability to: Effectively plan one’s own work, while also working well within a team; Listen carefully, attentively and with empathy; Build rapport and sustain relationships with colleagues, partners, and those we serve; Speak to groups, in a professional manner, and either demonstrated skills in webinar presentations or the willingness to learn while representing P2PNYS.

· Intermediate knowledge of technology, including computers and standard office equipment, as well as familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and ability to run basic maintenance tasks.

· Excellent organization, research, verbal, and written communication skills.

· Bilingual (English/Spanish, English/Chinese) preferred but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Office/Community/Remote

Counties Served by Parent to Parent of NYS' Special Education

Information Center: Upstate East Office (Schenectady, NY):, Akwasasne Reservation, Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene,Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting for extended periods of time.

Occasional lifting of not more than 25 pounds.

HOURS/SHIFTS

15 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends are required.

CLASSIFICATION

Part time, non-exempt

Salary range: $18,00-$19.95 per hour

OTHER

Must successfully clear a background check.

Must have a clean driving record.

Parent to Parent of NYS, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for people with disabilities

POSTING INFORMATION

CLOSING DATE

September 21, 2026,

HOW TO APPLY

Send a resume and cover letter to pticjobs@ptopnys.org no later than September 21, 2026.

Pay: $18.00 - $19.95 per hour

Expected hours: 15.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20