Education and Resource Advocate

Houston, TX

Full Time

DePelchin Children's Center

Mid Level

Position:          Education and Resource Advocate
Classification:             Full-time, Exempt
Reports to:                  Program Manager, Clinical Services
Company:                   DePelchin Children’s Center
Location:                     Houston, TX

Position Description:
The Education and Resource Advocate is responsible for ensuring the seamless coordination of a child or young adult’s services across multiple systems, including school, medical, dental, behavioral health, and other support services. This position specifically works with children in foster homes, supporting them to navigate and maximize benefits from STAR Health services, ensuring eligibility and meeting medical necessity criteria for appropriate services. The Advocate also serves as a liaison between families, schools, and community organizations, addressing barriers to student success and promoting parental involvement. The Advocate will also collaborate with school staff, foster parents, and case managers to plan interventions and services and review relevant records such as psychological evaluations and individual education plans (IEPs).

Primary Responsibilities:

Utilize expertise in STAR Health benefits, eligibility, and medical necessity criteria to provide resource linkage in the community.
Inform youth and families on school policies, graduation requirements, attendance protocols, and special education services.
Manage and coordinate services across medical, behavioral health, and educational systems.
Identify challenges that children and families face and develop creative, effective solutions.
Work with school staff, medical providers, and other stakeholders to plan and implement interventions.
Act as an intermediary between students, families, teachers, and external organizations.
Review and interpret documents such as IEPs, psychological evaluations, and medical records.
Address and resolve conflicts between students, families, schools, and service providers.
Work effectively with diverse populations, recognizing and respecting cultural differences in service delivery.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in human or social services required.
Two (2) years’ experience in a role that involves working with children, youth, or families, particularly in foster care or social services settings.
Experience in cross-system coordination, including working with medical, behavioral health, and educational services.
Experience in case management or working with multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., schools, social services, healthcare providers).
Experience working with IEPs, psychological evaluations, and school-related documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with STAR Health or similar managed care programs .
Experience working with foster care or at-risk youth.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong understanding of child development, particularly for youth in foster care.
Ability to manage and coordinate multiple services simultaneously.
Cultural competence and understanding of diverse family structures and dynamics.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare providers.

Work Conditions:

Environment: Hybrid – Home-based office, Community Settings
Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Travel: Frequent - Uses own vehicle on agency business but does not transport clients. (Must have a valid Texas driver license and current auto insurance)

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.

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Education and Resource Advocate

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