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Job Description
- Req#: 4309563
Through advocacy and representation in key areas, the program limits the disruption in education often caused by exposure to the juvenile justice system.
Assistant Public Defenders and Education Specialists provide discipline defense for school removals or expulsions resulting from arrests. Where available and appropriate, this representation extends to subsequent appeals. The Texas Education Code specifically authorizes disciplinary removals to either a district alternative education program (DAEP) or a juvenile justice alternative program (JJAEP) when youth are arrested for certain offenses.
When youth are improperly denied enrollment or transition services that support continued attendance at their home campus, the Assistant Public Defenders and Education Specialists intervene. Though students are statutorily entitled to supportive and collaborative transition meetings when they return to their home campus after a disciplinary removal, schools students often face unnecessary barriers to reentry.
Assistant Public Defenders and Education Specialists also provide educational aid to clients entitled to special education services and protections. Special education advocacy may include representing clients in admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meetings or advice and counseling related to special education services.
Assistant Public Defenders and Education Specialists ensure school districts provide services homeless youth are entitled through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Interviews clients and parent/s guardians for determination of educational goals and an identification of any educational issues.
Advises clients and parents/guardians of school rights.
Develops individual case plans and goals to meet clients’ unique needs.
Retrieves and analyzes school records for school compliance of state and federal education requirements, identification of educational issues, and development of educational goals.
Represents youth in school disciplinary removals, including any appeals.
Assists in transition planning when students return from alternative education placements to their home campus.
Advocate for youth in admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) meetings.
Engage in any necessary progress monitoring for implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs).
Draft and file district level grievances when a client has a valid complaint a school denied their educational rights.
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Education
A valid Texas teaching certificate conferred by the Texas State Board of Education
In lieu of a teaching certificate, experience with IEP meeting, 504 meetings, disciplinary hearings, and/or have obtained a Special Education Advocate Certificate.
Must possess and maintain a valid Texas Driver's license and maintain liability insurance in at least the minimum amounts required by law
Must be 21 years old
Proficient in Microsoft Office – Word and Excel
Excellent Communication Skills – Written and Oral
Regular Full-time
Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 pay periods
About the Position:
The non-attorney education specialists provides educational support along with advocacy to clients of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, communicates with the students parent/guardian about students education, communicates with the client’s attorney, and provides testimony in court
Duties and Responsibilities:
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.Education:
Certifications:
Licensure:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Salary:
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.About the company
Office of Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E.