Parent Engagement Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Parent Engagement Specialists serve an integral role in implementing a district and school plan to increase parent/family engagement. The Specialist is primarily focused on developing and implementing outreach strategies to parents of PPSD students to ensure that they have a strong voice in their schools and in the education of their children. The Parent Specialists provide parents and families with timely and accurate information on district initiatives, activities and issues; as well as identify resources and connect parents and families to these resources. The Specialist is part of a team committed to building strong and positive district relationships with families that are reflective of a mutual commitment to achieving the academic and social goals outlined for students in school and district plans.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under supervision of Executive Director

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Work with other Family and Community Partnerships staff, central office administrators, school-based administrators, and parents to create a parent engagement infrastructure and initiatives at assigned schools.
• Design, facilitate and participate in all aspects of parent workshops and meetings to encourage parents to become involved in their children''s education, including leading childcare activities for the children.
• Create and/or strengthen organized parent representation in assigned schools.
• Organize and conduct parent training sessions to help parents navigate school systems and the District; organize meetings for parents to disseminate information and to gather input from them; and provide resources and referrals for academic, social service and other support.
• Identify, develop and engage parents in the schools community and connect them to leadership opportunities at the school and within the District.
• Connect schools to parents via multicultural outreach efforts.
• Perform direct outreach strategies to parents to strengthen home-school communication.
• Advocate on behalf of parents with district and school-based staffs.
• Work with different stakeholders to coordinate services to parents and to assist the district in informing, involving and empowering parents to be active partners in their children''s education.
• Keep track of activities and efforts conducted; and generate reports on activities and effectiveness of strategies implemented to accomplish the goals of the office.
• Represent the district in meetings and other events, as assigned.
• Assist in the coordination of translation services.
• Perform all other responsibilities as requested by the Director of Family and Community Engagement, Principal or appropriate administrator.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

Bilingual Spanish Preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

• Strong comfort with performing an advocacy role for parents
• Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse, urban population, preferably focused on families, youth and/or education issues
• Solid understanding of Providence community, community organizations and neighborhoods
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and workshops
• Excellent oral communication and writing skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Cambodian language.
• Must have the knowledge and skills to build positive relationships with people from diverse populations
• Commitment to the mission and vision of PPSD and the relevance of job functions to that mission and vision.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Associate's degree or equivalent required; bachelor''s degree preferred

Experience: Demonstrated experience in community organizing and outreach strategies; Demonstrated experience in working with a diverse, urban population, preferably focused on families, youth and/or education issues

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to meeting the education, training, and experience standards:

• Must be confidential
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Must possess and consistently model excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Bilingual preferred

EEO Statement

Providence Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is actively seeking to increase minority recruitment among its administrators and teaching staff. PSD does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status. All programs are open to all individuals, regardless of their race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status.

Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work

Providence Public School District participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all participating employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Please review the following posters for more information:

• Notice of E-Verify Participation (English/Spanish)
• IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)