GENERAL SUMMARY

Works to improve home/school communication, plans and implements parent involvement activities, and assists parents with the education of their children. Reports to the Executive Director of Instruction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under direction, serves as a liaison between a school district and the local community.

Assists on a non-professional level, teachers and certified staff members in interpreting the role of a school system and related educational programs to parents and other community members; does related work as required.

Visits families of school age children in order to provide information on the programs and services available through the school district.

Interviews family members and students in order to gather information to be used to determine eligibility for the student programs and other programs and services.

Completes forms, questionnaires and other necessary documentation to enroll students, document their activities, and prepare correspondence, reports, and other documentation necessary for the operations of the student enrollment program.

Identifies students in need of supportive or special services and refers students to other personnel and/or agencies in order to address their needs and follows up on the referrals made in order to assure that necessary services are provided.

Establish and maintains parent centers at each school site.

Helps the school involve parents in the activities of children.

Develops an interest among parents in the school system.

Encourages parents to participate in group discussions and activities.

Aids in the explanation of school and program goals and objectives to the community.

Confers and works with school principals, teachers, guidance and other professional staff, as well as parents and other concerned individuals regarding problems affecting the students’ progress and achievements, behavior, personal well-being or other school related problems they may be experiencing.

Assists in the interpretation of school and program policies, regulations or activities to the students and their parents.

Arranges visits, conferences, workshops, and other activities in order to promote the goals and objectives of school programs.

Serves as liaison between the parents and the school district and with social agencies committed to the welfare of the student.

Escorts students home or to other agencies and activities whenever required.

Develops rapport with students, their parents and school officials in the interest of promoting the proper adjustment and progress of the students.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior.

Knowledge of individual and community health and social problems encountered by the local population as they relate to school age children, enrollment in the school system and class attendance by students.

Interacts with others in a respectful and cooperative manner at all times.

Willingly performs other duties as assigned or requested by the Executive Director of Instruction and School Leadership.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

An associate’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Parent Involvement Facilitator. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the District and other governmental agencies. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has thorough knowledge of early childhood development, instructional principles and practices for both young children and parents, and the use of technology in instructional operations.

Skills/Effort:

Is able to maintain current knowledge of philosophies, trends and technologies used in early childhood/parent education. Is able to maintain assigned caseload effectively and to maintain accurate client records and reports as required. Is able to develop and maintain positive, cooperative relationships with program participants; is skilled in communicating in an effective, professional and constructive manner, maintaining cultural, social and economic sensitivity at all times. Is skilled in observing child behavior to assess developmental skills and needs, and is able to plan and implement effective plans to help parents provide the best possible environment and relationships to support progressive child development. Is able to effectively coordinate and implement special activities, events and meetings as required. Has knowledge of the methods and materials used in developmental, vision and hearing screenings, and is able to administer such screenings. Is able to provide appropriate client referrals to various professionals and agencies as indicated. Has the ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar. Has knowledge of modern office practices and technology; has skill in the use of computers for word and data processing and records management. Is able to read and interpret relatively complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals, parents, children, and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Has the skills to be able to communicate in a professional and articulate manner with clients, co-workers, District management, professionals and others. Is able to make effective presentations with professionalism and confidence. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations

Working Conditions:

Office environment with little exposure to environmental conditions.  Physical demands are restricted to general office activities requiring movement/lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.  Routine local travel required; occasional overnight travel required.  Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require considerable attention and meeting deadlines.

Responsibility:

No supervisory or budgetary responsibility.