About Malone Center

Since 1955, Malone has served neighboring families, youth, and the Lincoln community with inclusive, social, cultural, educational, employment and welfare services. With our active support against poverty and our vision to create unity and a prosperity consciousness in Lincoln, we are constantly re-evaluating our programs to ensure the current needs of the community are being met.

The Malone Mission is to eliminate multigenerational poverty in Lincoln and our vision is to create unity and prosperity throughout Lincoln while honoring our African American heritage.

About the role

The Education Advocate is a grant funded position that works with youth referred to the Malone Center to help ensure every child receives the educational experience they deserve. This work is accomplished by providing intentional, relationship-based support. This role focuses on serving individuals with complex needs by addressing barriers related to the social determinants of health (SDOH), including trauma, economic stability, education, health and healthcare access, and more. This position works as a member of an integrated case management team and strives to promote holistic wellness across generations.

Essential Job Functions 

• Champion the Malone Center mission and vision in all engagements and interactions, both internal and external to the organization. 
• Provide advocacy services in formal school meetings (disciplinary procedures, educational evaluations, or any other school meetings), as requested. 
• Participate in informal conversations and meetings with school personnel to determine the child’s educational needs and/or opportunities while at school. 
• Provide support to parents in understanding their child(ren)’s educational needs and assist in identifying supportive educational practices. 
• Develop behavior intervention programs to be implemented in classrooms. 
• Implement behavioral plans and coach staff on how to implement these behavior plans. 
• Assist in education planning. 
• Provide homework and schoolwork supports and strategies. 
• Support children and families through the process. 
• Communicate with teachers, caregivers, and families to implement behavioral plans. 
• Engage with parents on behavioral plans and provide them with skills and techniques to support positive behaviors. 
• Collaborate with other support organizations, as needed. 
• Keep current on the issues, laws, and regulations regarding school requirements, special education, education trends, and other issues related to children with exceptional needs. 
• Collaborate with the juvenile justice system as needed, for youth who are referred through the schools. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience  

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mental health, psychology, or related field, required. 
• Minimum 2 years of previous work experience with Lincoln Public Schools, required. 
• Familiarity and prior training with trauma and informed care. 
• Familiar with IEP/504 plans and processes. 
• Demonstrated experience serving children and families from marginalized communities. 

Required Qualifications 

• Ability to use a computer with basic proficiency. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to handle intense emotional situations. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and fingerprinting. 
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. 
• Demonstrated experience with children. 
• Professional appearance when representing the Malone Center. 
• Knowledge of the food and childcare subsidy program. 
• CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment. 
• Food Handlers Permit or ability to obtain within first 30 days of employment. 
• Complete “Safe Kids Buckle Up” program within first 60 days of employment. 
• Complete Child Care Health and Safety training within first 90 days of employment. 
• Complete “Safe with You” training within first 90 days of employment. 
• Complete Mandated Reporter training within first 60 days of employment.

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, talk, or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.