Education Liaison – Antelope Valley, CA

National Center for Youth Law 

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to amplify youth power, dismantle racism and other structural inequities, and build just policies, practices, and culture in support of young people. Our efforts advance justice through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation's approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every young person thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves. 

Position 

NCYL seeks an Education Liaison for our FosterEd demonstration site in the Antelope Valley Region of Los Angeles County, operated in collaboration with Lancaster School District and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This position is aimed at improving education outcomes for youth supervised by DCFS and the Dependency Court. This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about advocating on behalf of students in foster care and supporting academic success.

Essential Functions  

• Work directly with youth attending school in the Lancaster School District to improve educational outcomes and monitor key indicators of educational engagement such as attendance and behavior.  
• Frequent communication and collaboration with school staff, biological parents, caregivers, DCFS social workers, and other service providers in educational planning.   
• Provide coaching and support to help youth in foster care develop the skills and capacities needed to champion their own education. 
• Provide coaching and support to biological parents, relatives, caregivers and other adults serving as educational decision-makers for young people under DCFS supervision to ensure they are equipped to actively support the youth’s education. 
• Assist with facilitating school stability efforts, such as immediate enrollment.  
• Frequently attend meetings on behalf of youth and to build relationships with schools, caregivers, DCFS, and other service providers within those communities. 
• Support capacity-building efforts via presentations and trainings to community partners 
• Track required data in a consistent and timely manner. 
• Keep well informed on policies and laws relevant to child welfare and education.  
• Support youth and families by providing linkages to community resources. 

Required Qualifications 

• Ability to pass DOJ & FBI background checks 
• A valid California driver’s license and regular access to a reliable vehicle 

Other Qualifications 

• Knowledge about and ability to advocate in education and child welfare systems 
• Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential  
• Awareness of community agencies and resources in the Antelope Valley and LA County that serve foster youth  
• General knowledge of foster youth education rights at the State and Federal level 
• General knowledge of Special Education processes and laws relevant to foster youth  
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate services with community agencies in a professional manner 
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with youth and families 
• Demonstrated ability to utilize a racial justice lens 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices 
• Ability to work well autonomously and as a part of a team 
• Ability to stay organized with multiple work streams and frequent change 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills  
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information  
• Ability to navigate cloud servers, Zoom, phone systems and other software 

Physical Requirements   

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Requires ability to travel, to work from shared working spaces in schools, and to work remotely on an occasional basis. 

Salary, Benefits & Location 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The salary is competitive at $73,307.00 annually.  

NCYL provides a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, generous vacation and sick benefits, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, employer contribution to a retirement plan, and short-term and long-term disability insurance. 

Candidates must reside in or near Antelope Valley, California. This position requires weekly travel to multiple sites in Antelope Valley. 

How to Apply 

Please submit a cover letter and resume at the link below. Please, no emails or calls. 

Applicants with lived experience in the child welfare or foster care systems, and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

It is the policy of NCYL to provide equal employment opportunities to all Applicants (including Employees) regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, national origin, age, abilities/disabilities, neurotypicality, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, prior convictions, or any other protected classifications under federal, state, or local law.