Family Liaison - Muir - 0.838 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking highly motivated and energetic applicants for the role of Family Liaison. This position is crucial for strengthening the connection between school, home, and community. Family Liaisons at Full Service Community Schools will collaborate with the Community Schools Resource Coordinator to ensure families are represented in decision-making and are aware of school partnerships and opportunities. They will increase access to and linkages with community resources, and prioritize efforts to increase student attendance by working with families and school staff to provide resources and develop strategies. Additionally, Family Liaisons will collaborate with the Community School Resource Coordinator and other school staff to recruit and coordinate school volunteer opportunities. MMSD is committed to being anti-racist, culturally responsive, and inclusive, with a vision to ensure every school is a thriving school that prepares every student for college, career, and community. The district serves a diverse population and aims to create a challenging and rewarding work environment that supports employee career paths and reflects the diversity of its students.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Demonstrated successful experience building positive community relationships
Experience working cross-culturally and/or commitment to work toward one's own cultural competence (valuing difference/diversity, recognizing personal limitations, and having the desire to learn)
Willingness to learn District technology tools for reporting and monitoring student progress
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Demonstrated interpersonal and problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution and mediation
Computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish and/or Hmong (for potential bilingual positions requiring proficiency assessments)

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with School Staff, including Student Services and Bi-lingual staff, to identify and support individual families in need.
Manage a small caseload of higher-need students/families (not to exceed 5 per semester) when appropriate.
Work directly with School Student Support Teams, School Parent Support Teams, MSCR, and the School PTO/PTA to promote diverse parent representation and involvement.
Act as an advocate for parents, ensuring their voices are heard and valued in decision-making.
Meet with parents and the Principal regarding concerns or complaints, working towards resolution.
Conduct home visits, including accompanying the School Social Worker when needed.
Attend school-based evening events that the Family Liaison has been directly involved in planning or is needed for effective partnership with families.
Provide transportation for families using allocated funds for bus tickets/taxi cabs (personal vehicle use must follow district policy).
Promote communication with families and the community by writing articles for the parent newsletter and preparing presentations for staff.
Interact with media and community leaders with Principal approval.
Serve as a co-lead for programs like 'Read Your Heart Out,' identifying dates, resources, soliciting speakers, greeting families, and designing recognition.
Collaborate with other Family Liaisons to develop district-wide literacy and family engagement strategies.
Attend professional learning and meetings to promote effective strategies aligned with FACE standards.
Submit payroll and expense documentation in a timely fashion.
Manage FYCE budget funds and provide updates to the Principal on available funds.
Share key learnings on effective family engagement practices for professional development opportunities.
Foster strong school/community relations by keeping the community informed and responsive to school programs.
Coordinate attendance initiatives, support PTO and Neighborhood Associations, and area businesses/nonprofits to promote daily attendance and safe transitions.
Support enrollment efforts at the beginning of the school year and summer semester enrollment.
Support intensive attendance initiatives during annual assessment weeks.
Coordinate Family Empowerment Groups to lift caregiver voice and enhance community, especially for families less familiar with district/school systems.
Prioritize support for Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Conduct regular home visits and contacts to support attendance, inform families about resources/opportunities, and gather information on family experiences and strengths.
Support the annual 'Read Your Heart Out' event.
Participate in Neighborhood Resource Team meetings if applicable.
Collaborate with nearby neighborhood or community centers to promote program participation and enhance awareness of services.
Facilitate resourcing of families and caregivers regarding school identity, priorities, opportunities, and systems.
Recruit parents, caregivers, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and faith communities for strategic volunteer opportunities.
Support the Principal in creating systems and resources to welcome new enrollees/transfers.
Present available resources to families with the social worker or designee.
May participate in school-based leadership teams or committees supporting school SIP goals.
Attend professional learning and meetings offered by EDEI and/or FYCE Coordinator.
Be eligible for the District’s relevant Grow Your Own programs.