Student Advocate

North Cook Intermediate Service Center; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Individual health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement benefits through IMRF

Vacation and personal days

Job summary

The North Cook Intermediate Service Center seeks a full-time Student Advocate to work year-round in collaboration with local school districts. This role involves maintaining a caseload of 25-32 students in grades 6-12, working directly with families to set academic and social goals.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and a commitment to supporting historically underserved students. The salary is around $45,000, with benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting historically underrepresented youth is preferred.
• Spanish speakers are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 25-32 students in grades 6-12.
• Work with families and school teams to establish success plans.
• Monitor attendance, behavior, and grades; respond in crises.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

This is a full‑time, year‑round student support position working for the North Cook Regional Office of Education/Intermediate Service Center in collaboration with a specific North Cook District that will be identified upon hiring. The Student Advocate works directly with students in a North Cook School District, reports to a Student Services Coordinator, and is primarily based in a school environment.

Job Summary

• Maintains a caseload of 25-32 students in grades 6-8 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.
• Ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with students, families, and school personnel.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree (although candidates with some college will be considered at a lower salary point) and experience supporting historically underrepresented youth.
• A Student Advocate should provide students with a positive pattern of engagement at school, fuel motivation, and foster the development of the life skills needed for graduation and post‑high school learning and careers.
• Spanish Speakers are encouraged.

Salary, Benefits and Working Conditions

The Student Advocate will earn a salary of approximately $45,000 depending on experience, skillset, and level of education.

Benefits

• Individual Health insurance, PPO or HMO, Blue Cross Blue Shield (employee‑paid family insurance option):
  • Vision
  • Dental, MetLife
• Life insurance, MetLife – 1× annual salary and $50,000.

Retirement benefits for this position are facilitated through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). As a 12‑month employee, you will receive 12 vacation days (adding one day annually up to 20 maximum), 12 sick days, and 2 personal days. Also, NCISC observes Federal and State holidays (Advocates follow school schedules during the year and NCISC schedule in the summer which includes summer Fridays off as well as July 4th and Juneteenth).

North Cook Intermediate Service Center is an equal‑opportunity employer.