Family Liaison [Madison Park] (Anticipated Vacancy) (Temporary Vacancy)(SY25-26)

Boston Public Schools•Boston, MA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Family Liaison The BPS vision for family and student engagement is that every school will welcome every family and every student, and actively engage them in student learning and school improvement. Families and communities are integral partners with schools in the educational and life success of our students. The Boston Public Schools is seeking entrepreneurial and persistent influencers to serve alongside dedicated educators and administrators working to deliver on the promise of excellent public school education. The Family Liaison will play a key role in building the capacity of educators and families to collaborate around student success and connecting students and families to opportunities and resources. General Summary: The Family 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 in conjunction with the principal and 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 in ways that build trustful relationships, foster understanding, and relays of the needs of the one to the other. As a member of the school staff, the Family Liaison will be responsible for achieving a set of benchmarks annually.

Requirements

Education: High School Diploma or GED
Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment ( http://www.ets.org/parapro/ ) or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants ( http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html ).
At least 3 years of experience working with diverse families and in an urban setting and knowledge of their needs
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Deep knowledge of the functions and resources of community organizations and social service agencies providing services to families and children in Boston
Proficient verbal and written communication skills in dominant home language of the families of the desired school (see attached list of schools with languages)
Ability to take independent initiative, while committing to collaboration
Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends based on school, family, and district needs
Ability to employ tact, diplomacy, and sound judgement in dealing with sensitive issues and challenging situations
Strong organizational skills
Proficient in the Microsoft Office suite
Ability to leverage (and when needed learn) technology and software applications to create reports, maintain records, and provide data
Ability to create and maintain strong community collaborations
Some experience in developing and/or leading interactive workshops and trainings
Willingness to learn and apply new skills and content
Demonstrated cultural proficiency and ability to lead others in conversations of race and culture.
Deep knowledge and understanding of, and demonstrated ability to connect with the ethnic background of students and families served.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Multilingual - Proficient verbal and written communication skills in multiple languages
Certification in translation and/or interpretation
Reliable transportation
Conflict negotiation training and experience

Responsibilities

Promotes the Boston Public Schools’ vision for family and student engagement within the BPS and greater Boston community.
Conducts preliminary/annual assessment of family engagement structures and activities that exist in the assigned school utilizing school climate survey results, BPS Family Engagement Standards Assessment Tool.
Develops an individual work plan, with quantifiable deliverables, that detail the Liaison role in the implementation of the schools’ goals and family/student engagement plan.
Responds to concerns/issues raised by parents/guardians with empathy, and effectively follows through to resolution, and to develop strategies for building the capacity of parents to become more effective advocates for themselves and their children.
Develops families’ understanding and ability to navigate the larger BPS system including making referrals to school administration and other departments.
Provides school-based, regional and community support and outreach to families around school registration and transportation with support and guidance from the Transportation Office and the Office of Student, Family and Community Advancement
Refers students and their families to internal school supports and/or outside agencies (e.g. state agencies, medical professionals, counselors, foundations, non-profit organizations, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the need of students and families are met
Supports the school develop a plan that ensures consistent, effective, timely, and accessible communication with families in a variety of ways including the home languages of families.
Collects, maintains and reports accurate data to document outcomes and impact of family engagement activities at the school level, using an electronic database.
Provides oversight and ensures the recruitment and retention of parents/guardians to the School Parent Council and School Site Council while engaging and developing parent leadership in decision-making processes.
Organizes family engagement events and workshops that address areas of interest and need for families such as: understanding the school report card, child development, school policies, effective parent-teacher conferences, bullying, college and career readiness, parenting skills, understanding the curriculum, effective advocacy
Provides coordination and technical assistance to ensure that parent involvement requirements are met; compiles materials and creates files to document compliance.
Manages outreach to families and students at risk of chronic absenteeism
Ensures that every student is enrolled in a summer program including tracking progress and providing program and opportunity information to parents/guardians
Ensures that families understand their rights including retention and discipline
Works with the school social worker, Instructional Facilitator, and nurse to coordinate supports for students and families
Participates in regular professional development as directed by the district to improve skills and gain knowledge about family engagement research and best practice.