FAMILY/SCHOOL LIAISON

Balance of school year only.

Purpose Statement

The job of Parent/School/Community Liaison was established for the purpose of providing a means for clear communication between school staff, parents and community. Under the direct supervision of an assigned Administrator, the Liaison links at-risk students and their families with community resources by acting as the school contact person for community outreach as well as assisting in the improvement of the attendance habits of students. This position conveys information regarding school activities and procedures and provides information on services available to eligible students and parents.

Essential Functions

• Establish positive relationships with children, their families, and the community.
• Develop and enhance parental engagement with the school and other agencies.
• Support parents of children with early signs of social, emotional, health or behavioral issues and work with them, school staff and other support agencies to prevent potential barriers to learning.
• On receipt of referrals from parents or the school, talk with children experiencing difficulties and liaise with families and the school as necessary to reflect the concerns of the child.
• Make phone calls as assigned to identified students and families.
• Carry out weekly analysis of attendance data and work with families and teachers to overcome any potential barriers to learning.
• Identify with parents reasons for their children’s non-attendance. Ascertain the probable causes of the absences and implement strategies/action plans to resolve the situation – working closely with teachers, the child and the child’s family.
• Carry out home visits where appropriate to support parents in encouraging their children to maintain full and regular attendance and punctuality.
• Assist counselors and teachers in communicating with the parents of students who are having attendance and academic problems in school.
• Share information gained with the attendance clerk or designee, counselor(s), and teachers of identified students.
• Link needy students and their families with community resources. Work in cooperation with district McKinney Vento/Family Liaison.

Other Functions

• Help with coordination of parent advisory activities.
• Maintain appropriate and confidential written records.
• Keep full and accurate records and all relevant documentation relating to meetings and contact with children and their families.
• Drive an automobile as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students, parents, and co-workers during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; operating standard office equipment; preparing and maintaining accurate records; using pertinent software applications; assessing, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously; providing quality customer service.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and understand multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: business telephone etiquette; common office machines; concepts of grammar and punctuation; office methods and practices; fundamentals of customer service and communication.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with specific, job-related data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; displaying tact and courtesy; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; adhering to safety practices; attention to detail; meeting deadlines and schedules/ working under time constraints, and ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English. Ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized routines; providing information and/or advising others; leading and coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience: Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: None specified.

Required Testing: Pre-employment Proficiency Test

Certificates & Licenses: Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability

Clearances: Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance