CLASS SERIES TITLE: Migrant Education Program Advocate I/II

To identify and recruit eligible migrant students to maintain records in accordance with regulations and laws; serve as a link between program, home, school and community agencies; encourage parent involvement; monitor student needs and refer to appropriate services; provide workshops, advocacy and support to migrant students and families; analyze data and local information to determine student eligibility and needs. Employees in this classification receive direct supervision from a program administrator within a framework of standard policies and procedures.

The classes Migrant Education Program Advocate I and Migrant Education Program Advocate II serve as an alternate class series. Incumbents may be employed in either level depending on their qualifications. Incumbents initially employed in the entry level as Migrant Education Program Advocate I may reasonably expect to be reassigned to the journey level of Migrant Education Program Advocate II upon the recommendation of the appointing authority and a passing score on qualifying examination(s). In general, it is expected that Migrant Education Program Advocate I incumbents will be trained and prepared for reassignment to Migrant Education Program Advocate II after a two-year period.

The Migrant Education Program Advocate I is the entry/trainee level of this class series. Incumbents in this classification receive training and learn the regulations and performance standards for the Migrant Education Program. Employees in this level of the series receive direct supervision and guidance within a standard framework of policies and procedures.

The Migrant Education Program Advocate II is the journey level of this class series. Employees at this level of the series possess full knowledge of and demonstrate the ability to adhere to the regulations and performance standards for the Migrant Education Program. Employees in this level of the series receive general to limited supervision within standard framework of policies and procedures.

• Identifies and interviews all migrant students and families within assigned schools, either by phone or in person

• Visits homes, work sites or other locations, to interview parents or guardians to determine student eligibility for the Migrant Education Program. Accommodates visits according to the needs of students and their

• Receives, reviews, evaluates, and verifies information submitted from families; contacts appropriate information sources to determine program eligibility; determines if families are eligible or continue to be eligible for program services based on established federal and/or state regulations and guidelines

• Explains, interprets, and clarifies program regulations and guidelines, agency resources, procedures, rights, and responsibilities;

• Travels throughout the assigned area in order to fulfill job duties

• Demonstrates excellent oral command of the Spanish language

• Recruits and enrolls students in the Migrant Student Information Network and monitors changes to eligibility

• Operates a computer using specialized software, internet and e-mail to complete work assignments; uses other related office equipment (fax machines, copiers, scanners)

• Coordinates identification and recruitment support calendar with participating districts

• Strategizes with district staff regarding identification, recruitment and student needs

• Contacts families regarding attendance, application and enrollment status; discrepancies and incomplete information

• Creates, reviews and analyzes reports related to the Migrant Education Program

• Prepares and distributes routine reports, forms, correspondence and other documents as needed

• Provides case management services for migrant children and families. This may includes:

• Maintaining regular ongoing contact with students and parents through home or site visits, and phone calls.

• Developing and following up on service plans

• Providing support to students and families and monitor their progress towards goals

• Documenting pertinent health data, maintaining confidential information and current records of student information

• Schedules and confirms appointments with migrant students and families to conduct assessment of student needs and assists in the development of personal goals

• Acts in support role as advocate for student and family

• Provides information regarding health care resources and community service agencies

• Serves as a liaison between the families and schools, community service agencies and other program staff

• Refers families to other services or appropriate agencies for specialized services or counseling

• Provides technical support and training for staff, the Region I Office and participating districts as needed

• Conducts peer coaching sessions with district MEP staff

• Presents at workshops, meetings, and trainings

• Transports students when necessary
• Leads basic skills workshop targeted to students immediate needs

• Performs related duties

Possession of:

• A valid and appropriate California Driver's License

• A driving record which meets the County Office of Education's insurance requirement

Knowledge of:

• Target communities and cultures

• Proper contact skills and tactful telephone techniques

• Proper interviewing techniques

• Office methods, practices and procedures, including record-keeping, filing systems, and computer software applications programs

• Principles and practices of program planning, data collection and analysis, recordkeeping, and reporting

• Principles and practices of collaborative relationships and planning involving diverse groups

• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

• Basic mathematical skills

Ability to:

• Understand, follow, and adhere Federal Migrant Education Program regulations, performance standards, and guidelines

• Organize work assignments to meet established deadlines

• Interview applicants and students, perform family assessments, develop family partnership agreements and refer students to community resources

• Interact with the general public, parents, staff, and representatives of community agencies with tact and courtesy

• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

• Work independently and in a team environment under limited supervision

• Accurately maintain records and files

• Understand the concept of the Migrant Student Information Network

• Understand and carry out instructions independently

• Prepare reports

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school and community representatives, migrant families, and migrant program staff

• Demonstrate bilingual/bicultural proficiency in English and Spanish

• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends

• Adapt to rapidly changing technology

• Migrant Education Program Advocate I: Generally, the required knowledge and abilities will have been acquired through any combination of education and experience equivalent to two years (2) of college and at least one (1) year experience working with children, families, community groups and public agencies.

• Migrant Education Program Advocate II: Generally, the required knowledge and abilities will have been acquired through any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of college and at least two (2) years of experience comparable to that of a Migrant Education Program Advocate I.

Bargaining Unit: Office, Technician and Business Services (OTBS) Unit

WORKING CONDITIONS: Most duties are performed outdoors in the community, in the fields, or at labor camps under varying conditions. Some duties are performed in an office environment or at a Migrant Education center. Incumbents may be required to work a flexible schedule, evening and weekend hours. Duties require incumbents to drive a vehicle to attend meetings with parents/students, staff, and to make home visits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Incumbents regularly stand and sit for extended periods of time, walk short distances on a regular basis and on uneven surfaces whenever necessary; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; seeing to read fine print; hearing and understanding voices over the telephone and in person; moving and transporting program materials, and lifting, carrying and pulling light objects.

NOTE: In accordance with law, the County Office of Education will consider any request for reasonable accommodation.

Personnel Commission Approval: 1/31/91
Revised: 5/27/99, 2/11/2010