Mentor - Family Support Specialist
About the Employer
Key Responsibilities
• Educational Advocacy:
• Provide direct support to students and families related to IEP and 504 plans, school discipline matters, attendance concerns, academic planning, and high school admissions processes.
• Advocate for student needs within school systems to promote equitable access to educational opportunities and supports.
• Assist families in understanding educational rights, school policies, and available resources.
• Support problem-solving and intervention around school-related barriers impacting student success.
• Monitor academic progress and identify opportunities for additional support and advocacy.
• Family Engagement & Support:
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with caregivers and families.
• Support family participation in school, program, and community activities.
• Connect families to educational, social service, and community-based resources.
• Facilitate family workshops, events, and engagement opportunities that strengthen caregiver involvement and empowerment.
• Promote a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach to family partnership.
• School Coordination:
• Serve as a liaison between families, school personnel, and program staff.
• Attend school meetings, including IEP, 504, attendance, and disciplinary meetings, as needed.
• Support communication and alignment between home, school, and program teams.
• Foster collaborative relationships with school administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff.
• Help identify and address emerging student and family needs through ongoing communication and partnership.
• Case Management & Documentation:
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of advocacy efforts, family engagement activities, and student supports.
• Track student progress, referrals, follow-up activities, and outcomes.
• Ensure consistent communication with internal staff regarding student and family needs.
• Assist with data collection and reporting efforts related to family engagement and educational advocacy outcomes.
• Program Support:
• Implement and facilitate Saturday, summer, and special event programming.
• Contribute to strategies that strengthen school-based engagement and family involvement.
• Collaborate with program staff to identify and respond to emerging student and family needs.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
Qualifications
Required: + Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field. + Minimum two years of experience working with youth, families, or schools. + Knowledge of educational systems, family engagement practices, and youth development principles. + Strong communication, advocacy, relationship-building, and organizational skills. + Ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities. Preferred: + Experience supporting IEP, 504, school discipline, or educational advocacy processes. + Experience in community-based organizations, schools, or youth-serving programs. + Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. + Familiarity with New York City public school systems and resources.
Experience
*School-based: 2 years (required)
Education and Family Advocate (School-Based Mentoring Program)
The Arthur Project (TAP) is a youth mentoring organization that partners with middle schools to provide relationship-based, therapeutic mentoring that promotes healing, belonging, academic success, and long-term opportunity. Our mentors are social work students who serve as trusted adults who help young people navigate challenges, build social capital, and strengthen connections to school, family, and community. TAP is committed to advancing equity through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and prevention-focused practice.
Position Summary
The Education & Family Advocate supports youth and families in navigating school systems, accessing educational resources, and strengthening school-family partnerships to promote academic success and equity.
What Success Looks Like
• Families feel informed, supported, and empowered to advocate for their children.
• Students experience improved educational engagement, attendance, and access to supports.
• Strong partnerships are maintained between families, schools, and program staff.
• Educational barriers are addressed proactively and effectively.
• Family engagement and advocacy efforts contribute to positive student and family outcomes.
Schedule
• Position supports programming Tuesday-Saturday during the DOE calendar year (September-June) and Tuesday-Thursday summer programming (July-Mid August).
• Position is hybrid with at least one remote day each week.
What We Offer:
The Arthur Project is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Ample time off including DOE holidays
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
• Meaningful impact on youth, families, and communities
• Opportunity to help shape an innovative model of therapeutic mentoring
Pay
$85,000.00 per year
Benefits
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Bronx, NY 10467