QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must hold an Associate's Degree, or a minimum of 60 acceptable college credit hours. The preferred applicant will have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Considerable knowledge of the functions and resources of community organizations and social service agencies providing services to families and children in Hopewell. At least 3 years of experience working with diverse families, preferred. Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite. Strong public speaking and presentation skills. Ability to relate successfully with staff, families, and students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with culturally, socially, and economically diverse staff/student/family populations. Ability to create and maintain strong community collaborations. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. Demonstrates conflict resolution skills to respond appropriately and recommend alternatives or solutions to adverse situations in a constructive neutral manner. Ability to work independently. Experience in compiling and analyzing data.

DESCRIPTION

The Family Engagement Liaison is a school-based position responsible for building the capacity of schools to authentically engage families. The Liaison’s primary role is to develop family engagement systems and activities that create strong partnerships to support teaching, learning, student achievement and school improvement. This position will work under the direction of the school administration and in conjunction with school staff to create a welcoming environment that values parents/guardians as full partners in the education and development of their children. The Liaison will serve as a bridge between school and home by building trustful relationships and fostering understanding grounded in equity-based solutions. 

GENERAL DUTIES (May not include all duties performed)

• Organizes family engagement activities/events that address areas of interest and need for families, such as: understanding district & school policies/procedures (e.g. attendance; discipline; etc.), the school report card, participating in effective parent-teacher conferences,  understanding the school curriculum, etc.
• Collaborates with school staff in developing effective on-going communication with families and community
• Works with the School Counselors, Attendance Officers, School Nurses, and School Social Worker to coordinate supports for students and families
• Participates in regular professional development to improve skills and gain knowledge about family engagement research and best practice
• Manages outreach to families and students at risk of chronic absenteeism
• Monitors student/family progress through phone, email, mail, and/or face-to-face contact as required, which may include home visits
• Develop a positive working relationship with individual school staff and district staff to assist in establishing and maintaining open lines of communication between the school and home
• Assists in organizing and providing workshops/activities for parents in how to support their child academically and with their social-emotional well-being
• Provides materials such as district/event calendars, brochures, and educational resources that meet families’ needs
• Works in collaboration with school staff to provide support and resources needed to develop full, equal, and equitable partnerships among families, educators, and community partners
• Participates in school-based teams to help identify, address, and monitor areas that impact academic success and/or social-emotional well-being of students
• Acts as a liaison between families and school staff when problems arise and supports families by identifying and connecting them to district and community resources
• Collects, maintains, and reports accurate data to document outcomes and the impact of family engagement activities at the school level
• Acts as the content manager for the school’s website
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK CONDITIONS

Duties performed are typically in a school setting. Performs professional work providing support and consultative services for assigned school/program. Work requires frequent standing, sitting, walking, and light lifting. Most assignments include activities/tasks in schools, centers, and the community, which require employee to have or arrange for their own transportation. Some assignments are subject to deadlines inherent in tailoring and delivering programs to meet the needs of diverse groups. Some assignments may involve exposure to risks associated with interaction with parents and students in heightened emotional states.

SUPERVISION

Work is performed under the direct supervision of the School Principal, with conjunction with division level administration.

LENGTH OF AGREEMENT

200 days