This is a full time, year round, student support position working for the North Cook Intermediate Service Center in collaboration with a specific North Cook District that will be identified upon hiring. Specific work schedule to be developed by the Assistant Executive Director based on school and North Cook calendars. This is a non-certified position working with the School Based & North Cook Intermediate Service Center team.

Job Summary:

Maintains a caseload of 25-32 students in grades 4-5, 6-8 and/or grades 9-12, based on school placement.
Works with students, families and the educational support team in establishing/writing success plans setting realistic goals, schedules and plans for monitoring student academic and social/emotional success
Monitors attendance, behavior and grades and is a first responder in the event of student’ crises; maintains accurate records of student engagement & interactions
Schedules, plans and participates in family outreach visits and family engagement events to promote family participation in the student’s learning experiences and conducts wellness checks if needed
Connects students’ and families’ to additional support services as needed and acts as a liaison to service providers
Supports all school based initiatives actively and engages with all staff and administration to promote student success. Attends all staff meetings & student problem-solving and staffing meetings as needed

Preferred Skills:

Strong commitment to serving struggling and historically underserved students in middle and/or high school
Experience in working with community agencies in providing support networks to assist students and families; experience supporting public school students in grades 6-12 is preferred
Possess strong problem-solving and organizational skills; willingness to persist with students
Advocacy skills, including the ability to negotiate, compromise, and confront conflict professionally

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and/or office experience preferred, but not required
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Spanish speaker preferred
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Friendly and patient demeanor including conflict resolution skills
Candidates should have experience supporting historically underrepresented youth.

Physical Demands: In performing the duties of an Student Advocate, the following physical demands are typical:

Sedentary Work: The role primarily involves sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods while using a computer, telephone, and other office equipment. However some work will require travel to a home or other location within the North Cook ISC region
Mobility: Occasional walking and standing may be required for tasks such as filing documents, attending meetings, or moving between office areas. Some work may require climbing stairs or navigating to homes or other locations within the North Cook ISC region
Lifting: Ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds of office supplies or materials, such as boxes of paper or equipment
Reaching and Grasping: Regular use of hands and arms to handle office supplies, operate a keyboard, and perform various administrative tasks
Visual Acuity: Requires close vision to review documents, prepare reports, and use computer screens.
Communication: Frequent use of verbal communication skills to interact with colleagues, clients, and vendors, as well as the ability to hear and understand conversations in a busy office environment
Work environment: Work is completed in an indoor office environment

Accommodation Statement: North Cook ISC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Director of Human Resources to discuss your needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: NCISC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and fairness. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Pay and Benefits:

Pay range = $42,000 - $52,000 depending on qualifications and experience

This position includes the following benefits:

Employee health insurance 100% paid by North Cook, PPO or HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield (dependent coverage available with cost employee share)
Employee Dental insurance 100% paid by North Cook through MetLife (dependent coverage available with employee cost share)
Life insurance, MetLife – 1x annual salary + $50,000 AD&D
Retirement benefits for this position are facilitated through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
As a 12-month employee, you are eligible for 12 vacation days each year (adding one day annually up to 20 maximum), 12 sick days, and 2 personal days.
NCISC observes Federal and State holidays (4th of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans’ Day, Thanksgiving Break (3 days), Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and Juneteenth).