About theOrganization
Centerfor Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with peopleacross New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration,criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network ofdirect services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership ofdirectly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all NewYorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need tothrive.
WhyJoin the Team?
At CCA,we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitivemarket-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determinedby the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, andgeography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the mostdesirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize theimportance of work-life balance.
Position Overview
The Transition Advocate provides intensive advocacy and transition support services to Rochester City School District (RCSD) students referred to CCA’s Transition Advocacy Program. The role supports youth involved in Superintendent’s Hearings and assists students transitioning back to mainstream school following long‑term absences related to suspension, juvenile detention, incarceration, or residential placement.
The Transition Advocate serves as a systems navigator, student advocate, and collaborative partner with families, school personnel, and community stakeholders to promote educational access, equity, and long‑term student success.
Primary Responsibilities
- Student Advocacy & Disciplinary Support
- Inform and ensure students and parents/guardians understand their rights and responsibilities under NYS Education Law §3214 and the RCSD Code of Conduct
- Advocate for students during Superintendent’s Hearings, informal hearings, conferences, and disciplinary proceedings
- Participate in Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) and related CSE meetings for students with disabilities
- Provide targeted advocacy for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan
- Transition & Re‑Entry Services
- Support students transitioning back to mainstream school following long‑term suspension, juvenile detention, or incarceration
- Conduct comprehensive youth assessments through meetings with students, families, and school staff, and review relevant academic, disciplinary, and support records
- Develop individualized, strengths‑based return‑to‑school transition plans
- Collaborate with RCSD administrators, principals, teachers, and support staff to address barriers and promote student success
- Restorative & Preventive Interventions
- Address underlying factors contributing to student behavior in accordance with the RCSD Code of Conduct
- Support restorative meetings and interventions that promote accountability, healing, and educational continuity
- Advocate for appropriate services, referrals, and accommodations aligned with student needs
- Ongoing Engagement & Documentation
- Provide follow‑up support for up to six (6) months post‑transition to monitor progress and sustainability
- Connect students and families to school‑based and community supports as needed
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in case files and designated data systems
- Participate in professional development and training to strengthen practice and compliance
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications
- Associated degree required; Bachelor’s prefer with work experience in facilitation, education, social work, public administration, community development, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated experience facilitating youth groups, internships, or leadership development programs.
- Skilled in curriculum development, group facilitation, and youth‑centered instructional strategies.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to support youth presentations and reflection.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the amplification of youth voice.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced, time‑limited project environment.
- Relevant personal experience in terms of recovery and/or justice involvement, a plus.
Required
Required regular travel within Monroe County. Travel elsewhere in NYS as needed. The Center for Community Alternatives requires any employee using their automobile on behalf of the company to carry a minimum bodily injury limit of $100,000 per person, $300,000 for each accident, and property damage limits of $100,000 for each accident.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.
- 12 paid holidays per year
- 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment.
- Time off is earned starting on your first day.
- 7 days of paid sick time
- 100% paid family leave
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
CCA Website: HERE
