ROE 21 Seniors Plus Student Advocate/Instructor (ALOP)

Regional Office of Education #21 is seeking applicants for  

SENIORS PLUS STUDENT ADVOCATE/INSTRUCTOR (ALOP)

Are you passionate about empowering at-risk youth and breaking down barriers to academic success? ROE21 is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Seniors Plus Student Advocate/Instructor to join our Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP). In this pivotal role, you will serve as both a mentor and an instructor, providing personalized support and tailored instructional programming to help students navigate their path to graduation and beyond. If you possess strong advocacy skills and a background in human services or education, join us in empowering underserved youth to unlock their potential.

JOB SUMMARY
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, colleagues, school districts and community
• Excellent communication, organization, and case management skills
• Advocacy skills, including the ability to negotiate, compromise, and confront conflict, including crisis intervention
• Willingness to persist with students, despite their behavior and decision-making
• Experience in creating safe and welcoming social emotional learning environments
• Passion for serving at-risk and underserved youth
• Experience fostering strength-based educational programming

KEY PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Job Goal: The Student Advocate/Instructor empowers Seniors Plus ALOP students by eliminating barriers to learning through personalized support. By implementing tailored instructional programs and fostering essential life skills, this role drives academic achievement and prepares students for a successful transition to graduation and post-secondary opportunities.
• Manage a caseload of approximately 40 students, ensuring all ALOP procedures (consent, SSP goals, and documentation) are implemented with fidelity
• Monitor academic progress by tracking attendance, grades, and behavior; maintain accurate records and provide regular progress reports to the ALOP Coordinator
• Oversee hybrid learning logistics, ensuring students are enrolled in active, correct courses and monitoring their progress within the online learning platform
• Facilitate frequent in-person check-ins and SEL sessions to support social-emotional growth, executive functioning, and crisis intervention
• Provide targeted academic intervention through tutoring, credit recovery support, and the creation of supplemental/enrichment resources to address learning gaps
• Guide post-secondary transitions by assisting students with career and post-secondary exploration
• Foster a safe, strength-based learning environment (both in-person and online) using effective classroom management and consistent policy enforcement
• Cultivate student engagement by recognizing achievements, addressing individual learning needs, and celebrating positive behaviors
• Act as a primary liaison between the school and home through proactive communication, home visits, and family engagement events
• Partner with school staff to define support roles, share performance data, and serve as a program ambassador during staff meetings
• Promptly report concerns regarding student well-being, behavioral issues, or personal crises directly to the ALOP Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field (social work, education, etc.), Master’s Degree and Professional Educator License (PEL) preferred
• Experience with at-risk youth preferred.
• Valid IL Driver’s License
• Familiarity with ROE 21 School Districts and partner schools
• The Seniors Plus Advocate/Instructor will be a hybrid of office-based case management and field-based student advocacy.

SALARY / BENEFITS: Full time 12-month position with salary and benefits – $49,080.00 – $60,000.00 per year
Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, and criminal background check, as well as meeting the Faith’s Law background requirements. Candidates who refuse to submit to employment requirements will be disqualified from the hiring process.

HOW TO APPLY: Mail or email cover letter, resume, transcripts, three professional references, and the ROE #21 Employment Application to Mrs. Jennifer Bruner, ALOP Director, 502 W Jackson St., Marion, IL 62959, [email protected]. The ROE 21 Employment Application can be found here: Application-Form-2020.pdf.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.