What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager, Special Education Advocacy and Disability Life Planning position at Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Greater Boston?
Position Summary :
Jewish Family & Children's Service is seeking a Program Manager to lead our special education advocacy work as well as our services to help families with children with disabilities plan for “life after 22” and beyond. This is a high impact, high visibility role, with an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
This is a multi-faceted role – combining direct client advocacy work, program development, and strategic vision. The Program Manager will build on our strong base of special education and family advocacy services by providing individualized, step-by-step assistance to families of youth and young adults to ensure that their family member has access to the resources, supports and services that best suit their needs. This includes helping them navigate school systems and supports, medical testing and treatments, state systems and benefits, and other community resources to ensure that their family member has appropriate supports now and into the future.
The Program Manager will be responsible for different elements of the work, including delivering quality services, promoting them, and growing our service in this area. The direct client services will focus on families of school-aged children and include assessing each family’s short- and long-term needs, providing support around the complexities of navigating through systems, advising on IEP and 504 processes, and coordinating and advocating for services with outside providers and agencies, which may include attending meetings such as medical appointments and assessment read outs and school meetings. The Program Manager will also be responsible for cultivating referral sources and growing our family advocacy services for families with a loved one throughout the lifespan, through developing relationships with providers and parent groups, and conducting workshops and outreach presentations in the community.
This is a full-time position. Schedule may be flexible and includes hybrid (in-office and remote) work options, with the expectation of at least two days a week in our Waltham office.
About You
Our ideal candidate is an articulate advocate for disability services with a program development mindset. We value a strong disability background, particularly in navigating or providing services through the school system, and in-depth knowledge of the disability benefits and resources in Massachusetts.
Education / Experience Requirements :
The successful candidate will likely have 7 years of experience combining disability advocacy work, special education, individual and family case management and with program development; both professional and personal experience will be considered.
- Ability to read and understand IEPs and testing reports, understand an individual’s abilities and needs, assess their educational and support needs, identify gaps in services, and work with professionals to identify solutions is required.
- The ability to communicate effectively and professionally while advocating and forming strong relationships with clients, families, school systems and collateral partners is essential to the role.
- Experience with growing a program is preferred.
The Benefits
JF&CS supports employees with generous benefits. This is a full-time position with a salary range of $70,000-$80,000.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please submit your resume along with a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
ABOUT JF&CS
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family & Children's Service has been helping individuals and families build a strong foundation for resilience and well-being. We intentionally serve and employ people of ALL faiths, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities.
We have a strong culture of professional development, work-life balance, and promotion from within.
JF&CS is an equal opportunity employer who serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions. Employment opportunities are available to all without regard for race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability.
JFCS1
Salary : $70,000 - $80,000
