Position: Parent Engagement Assistant

Position Summary:

The Parent Engagement Assistant (PEA) supports systemic engagement initiatives as  determined by the Director of Family and Community Engagement while receiving on site  supervision, and time/leave recordation/management from each Principal of the assigned one (1) or two (2) schools (.5 between two schools).  The PEA serves as a liaison that educates administrators, teachers and staff on how to communicate and work effectively and share power with parents as equal partners.  The PEA also advises and educates parents through specific research-based engagement strategies on: 1) how to navigate the educational system; 2) specific literacy improvement strategies so they can become better advocates for their children's education; 3) how to address concerns with staff in school meetings; 4) how to access referrals to community-based services for families; 5) how to expand opportunities for continued learning, voluntary community service and civic participation; and 6) how to develop community collaborations.  The Parent Engagement Assistant’s responsibilities require periodic participation and coordination of evening and weekend systemic activities within the 10 month school year. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports systemic initiatives as directed by the director of family and community engagement such as the Family Institute;
• Assists principal in establishing effective outreach and engagement programs and school-led workshops for parents to engage parents/families in improving student literacy achievement while creating opportunities for parents who have limited English proficiency, a disability and/or are otherwise underrepresented to participate in education initiatives and enrichment workshops;
• Collaborates with parents, teachers, and the school’s leadership team to develop a family-friendly school climate;
• Promotes parents as leaders in facilitating the development and maintenance of an effective parent leadership organization such as PTA/PTSA/PTO, etc.;
• Maintains databases and reports to document all services and activities provided that support improved family and community engagement and outreach and use the data to evaluate the effectiveness of their parent/family/community outreach programs;
• Helps the school to establish effective community partnerships;
• Establishes a family resource room for all families that provides information  about school and community resources;
• Responds to parent concerns as appropriate; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate and work with all families;
• Required oral, reading and written fluency in English and other commonly spoken language(s) identified in the school;
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
• Understands and respects the diversity of families’ economic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds and situations;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all staff, students, families, and the public;
• Computer literacy to include the use of Microsoft Word and Google applications;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, tact, confidentiality, diplomacy, patience, and courtesy;
• Knowledge of research-based strategies that support parent, family and community engagement;
• Ability to develop and make presentations before small and large audiences;
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate events that foster family and community participation;
• Effective time and project management skills;
• Ability to maintain documentation to provide evidence of parental engagement activities at the assigned school;
• Ability to drive in order to serve two school communities; and
• Ability to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

High school diploma required; Associates degree or higher from an accredited college or university preferred; or equivalent combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Certification:

None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

The Parental Engagement Assistant is REQUIRED to attend professional development sessions facilitated Office of Family and Community Engagement. Each training session will provide opportunities for capacity building and growth, collaborative discussions, and understanding of administrative responsibilities.