Specifications include, but are not limited to: Objective 1. Establish a group of at least three (3) and no more than six (6) trained Special Education Volunteer Advocates (VT Volunteer Advocates) to assist families/clients residing in targeted counties as they navigate a defined episode of engagement with their special education team and/or 504 Plan provider. Activities: • Create a job description for the VT Volunteer Advocate, including training standards. • Hire and recruit at least three (3) and not more than six (6) VT Volunteer Advocates. • Identify ongoing training needs for the VT Volunteer Advocates and deliver ongoing professional development. • Establish a supervisory structure that ensures VT Volunteer Advocates have access to regular consultation with professionals working in family support and in special education legal services. • If supervision is provided by an entity outside of the applicant organization, establish a Memorandum of Understanding or similar instrument setting out mutual expectations. Objective 2. Establish program guidelines, including but not limited to those described below: Activities • In consultation with project partners develop a service definition that describes the support that a VT Volunteer Advocate will deliver to a referred family/client. NOTE: Based on the NJ SEVA program, it is anticipated that the episode of engagement will be three to four meetings (3-4 meetings) and will include supporting the family during a formal meeting with their Special Education Team or 504 Plan provider. • In consultation with project partners, establish a protocol for referral of a family/client and guidelines for family/client participation in the program. Establish a memorandum of understanding or similar instrument setting out mutual expectations for organization(s) making referrals. • Set appropriate policies to provide the VT Volunteer Advocate with a stipend and reimbursement for expenses. Objective 3. Support an average of six (6) cases/month for at least 10 months of the performance period through the defined episode of engagement, monitoring outcomes and family/client satisfaction. Activities • Establish data collection protocols that ensure tracking outcomes and family/client satisfaction.
