Special Education Information Specialist

Outreach to Portuguese Families (Part-time 20-24 hours per week)

Our Mission:

The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to all families, especially those with children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. We are committed to listening to and learning from families and encouraging full participation in community life by all people, especially those with disabilities.

Job Summary:

Position is responsible for providing training, information, technical assistance and outreach activities on special education law, family engagement, and related issues to underserved families, youth with disabilities (YWD), and the professionals with whom they work across Massachusetts.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Conduct educational workshops on special education, family engagement, understanding the American school system, and related topics, in Portuguese and possibly English.
  • Develop and present new workshops and adapt existing workshops as needed.
  • Provide information and referrals on special education, family engagement, and related matters by phone, email, or in person to parents of children with disabilities, YWD, the professionals with whom they work, and the organizations that serve them across Massachusetts.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining written material on special education and family engagement and provide those materials in response to requests for information.
  • Maintain language webpages and social media for cultural and linguistically diverse families.
  • Conduct outreach to families, primarily in underserved communities, including by radio, television, and social media.
  • Promote awareness of FCSN outreach and other projects.
  • Support further collaboration and coordination across family engagement and special education organizations particularly with organizations serving diverse populations.
  • Regularly input data required for grant purposes.
  • Research and develop a personal knowledge of topics related to parent/family/professional requests through continuing education, workshop attendance, personal contacts, FCSN resources, the internet, and other opportunities.
  • Prepare and disseminate information packets and other materials at fairs and conferences.
  • Work collaboratively with staff on agency wide projects, including the FCSN’s Visions of Community Conference.
  • Participate in FCSN projects, staff meetings and activities.
  • Perform other tasks assigned by supervisor.

 Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with special education, related topics, and willingness to expand knowledge.
  • Experience providing special education information, training, and support to families.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Must be bilingual bi-cultural in English and Portuguese.
  • Existing connections with Portuguese speaking and special education communities and the ability to build new connections.
  • Ability to work from home in a dedicated workspace using FCSN-provided equipment.
  • Strong technology skills including use of e-mail, internet, video conferencing, Microsoft Word, expose to databases, and willingness to learn FCSN database program.
  • Access to transportation and ability to travel in-state for some training, resource fairs,and meetings.

Please Note: This is part-time position, 20-24 hours per week, and is eligible for employee benefits as outlined in FCSN personnel policies. This position is located at the Schrafft Center and is subject to our hybrid work schedule guidelines.

To Apply:

Please email your letter of interest and resume to FCSN Human Resources by email to: rdiaz@fcsn.org or  fcsnjobs@fcsn.org Or by mail to: Federation for Children with Special Needs, Attn: HR, 529 Main Street, Suite 1M3, Boston, MA 02129

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) embraces the diversity of our staff and is committed to increasing the diversity of our organization. As an EEO employer, FCSN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status or designation. Also, we welcome parents of children with special needs or those with a disability to apply!