Paraeducator - Family Engagement Liaison (11-month)

Polk County Public Schools•Lakeland, FL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position exists to serve as a liaison between the school and the home, and coordinates/plans delivery of services to at-risk families enrolled in the Head Start process, including the ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Eligibility, Selection , and Attendance). This position meets Head Start standard 1302.91 (7) as a family service staff. Performance is evaluated by observing work and periodic conference, critiques, records, and reports.

Requirements

Sixty (60) or more college credit hours or an Associate's degree or higher from an accredited school with the focus of Social Services or related field or a passing score on the Para Pro exam required.
Within eighteen (18) months of hire, at a minimum, must have a credential or certification in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field.
This position will require attending courses in child development, family goal development, family well-being, and parenting skills programs.
Minimum of two (2) years' experience working with parents and students of diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to understand written and oral instructions, speak and write coherently, keep records and create reports, and work cooperatively and professionally with other school personnel, parents, students, and other social agencies.
Must be proficient with computers using software applications.
Must be willing to work and interact in diverse schools and neighborhoods.
Provides own transportation with reimbursement according to District policies.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement the recruitment process designed to actively inform all families with eligible children within the recruitment area of the availability of program services and encourage and assist them in applying for admission to the program. Specific attention shall be paid to families with children with disabilities and other vulnerable children, including the homeless and children in foster care.
Conduct home visits and parent conferences to implement Head Start Parent, Family community Engagement Framework.
Offer monthly parent engagement opportunities to encourage nurturing skills and strengthen home-school relationships.
Lead in planning, implementing, and organizing all Head Start parent engagement activities.
Provide documentation of phone calls, record keeping, scheduling meetings, developing parent resources, meeting agendas, attendance forms, etc., utilizing the ChildPlus Platform.
Provide reinforcement and support to classroom teachers and make referrals to local agencies for special needs.
Ensure that parents know testing requirements, discipline procedures, educational resources, and school advisory committee meetings.
Provide family referrals to community-based organizations and support families with accessing resources such as medical or dental services, assist families in making appointments, navigating processes either with the computer or paperwork requirements.
Prepare materials for parent training, help recruit parents for the skills development seminars, and encourage community-based organizations to support schools.
Act as a mediator between home and school, especially when there are issues of misperception and miscommunication.
Make home visits and motivate parents to engage with their children's education and social/emotional development.
Serves as the liaison between district-based personnel and preschool parents during the transition to kindergarten.
May also require evening visits to students' homes and participation in occasional recruitment events on the weekend.
Performs other duties as assigned.