Spanish Speaking Family Liaison - EHS

Everett Public Schools•Everett, MA

About The Position

The Family Liaison will support in ensuring that schools in Everett Public Schools are safe and welcoming for all students and families and actively engage them in student learning and school improvement. Families and communities are integral partners in the educational and life success of our students. Family Liaisons will work in tandem with central administration 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 trusting relationships and foster understanding using culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. The Family Liaison will play a key role in building the capacity of educators and families to collaborate around student success and in connecting students and families to opportunities and resources.

Requirements

At least 2-3 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 Everett.
Proficient verbal and written communication skills in the home language of the families of the desired school.
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 judgment in dealing with sensitive issues and challenging situations using culturally and linguistically sustaining practices.
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 training.
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

Familiarity with the Everett Public Schools.
Certification in translation and/or interpretation.
EPS respects linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring value to the district culture and diversity.

Responsibilities

Promotes family and student engagement within the EPS and greater Everett school community to improve student achievement.
Conducts preliminary/annual assessment of family engagement structures and activities that exist in the district.
Creates and implements school climate surveys, school engagement plans, parent and guardian focus groups, and other tools and indicators to assess EPS family engagement.
Responds to concerns/issues raised by parents/guardians with empathy while using culturally and linguistically sustaining practices, and effectively follows through to resolution.
Develops 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 EPS system including building the capacity of parents/guardians regarding school registration, conducting residency checks, educational rights of their students, and educational access.
Connects students and their families to internal school supports and/or outside agencies and community based organizations for the purpose of ensuring the needs of students and families are met.
Ensures consistent, effective, timely, and accessible communication with families in a variety of ways including the home languages of families.
Organizes and facilitates family engagement events, workshops and programs in an effort to empower our EPS parents/guardians to support them to be the best advocates for their children. Some examples may include supporting families with understanding school policies, providing assistance with remote learning, providing technology programs for parents/guardians, and learning about the curriculum.
Provides coordination and technical assistance to ensure that parent involvement requirements are met; compiles materials and creates files to document compliance.
Provides translation and interpretation assistance for matters related to the Individualized Education Plan process for students with disabilities.
Participates in regular professional development as directed by the district to improve skills and gain knowledge about family engagement research and best practice.
Provides direct support with outreach efforts at schools and builds the capacity of the school to engage families in a culturally appropriate and meaningful way.
Performs any other duties and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent.