Student Engagement Specialist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Student Engagement Specialist works on the Juvenile Justice Team within the Office of Student Support & Engagement. Reporting to the Detention Transition Team Lead, the Specialist develops and implements school placements and transition plans for court-involved students, including students at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The role uses CPS data, school input, student interviews and discussions, and collaboration with families and Probation to support students’ re-engagement in school. The Specialist engages students at court and in detention to learn about their school histories, goals, interests, strengths, barriers, and concerns. They coordinate re-entry conferences with CPS school staff, address obstacles to transition, promote student voice, help repair relationships, connect students and families with needed school and neighborhood resources, and monitor students’ progress during services and after re-enrollment. This is a full-time, exempt, salary-basis position. Employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire and throughout their CPS employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least five years of relevant professional experience in education, social services, health services, or related outreach work; two years of relevant experience may be considered in combination with a preferred degree.
Access to transportation for travel to other sites.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including maintaining detailed files and records, prioritizing work, and managing competing priorities and deadlines.
Skill in evaluating and meeting the social service needs of at-risk students and coordinating efforts among schools, Probation/Court services, and community organizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet student and family needs.
Computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Google Suite.
Ability to work with minimal supervision outside a formalized central-office setting and adapt to shifting program priorities with a solutions-oriented approach.
Commitment to student advocacy, equitable access to education, and serving disadvantaged and marginalized students.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience working with court-involved students, high school students, and CPS schools, systems, and policies.
Experience with Restorative Justice practices and Motivational Interviewing.
Proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

Build supportive, trusting relationships with high-need, court-involved students and identify issues affecting school engagement and academic performance.
Review student transcripts, records, and historical school data to inform conversations, placement recommendations, and transition and support plans.
Collaborate with detention staff and CPS teachers and staff in student orientation, seminar classes, and individual transition planning.
Communicate with students’ previous and proposed schools to gather input, make informed decisions, and plan re-entry.
Use active listening, motivational interviewing, and empathetic, non-judgmental conversation to engage with students and understand their needs.
Help students establish academic and career interests and goals and use them to determine an appropriate school fit.
Collaborate with school staff, Court and Probation staff, and community partners to develop transition plans addressing social and emotional issues that affect performance.
Conduct re-entry meetings with students, parents, and school staff after release from detention.
Build knowledge of CPS school characteristics, curricular and extracurricular offerings, and support systems to match students with appropriate schools and support personnel.
Develop positive working relationships with school leaders and staff and advocate for students with schools.
Monitor students’ academic progress, attendance, and behavior, and respond to changes in enrollment, attendance, or behavior.
Conduct home visits and support families in acquiring services needed for student success.
Help students explore educational pathways that meet their academic goals; facilitate enrollment with receiving schools and monitor student persistence.
Maintain timely and accurate records of school recommendations, plans, and contacts in the CitySpan web-based case management tool.
Perform other duties as assigned.