Student Engagement Specialist

EAST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE•Minneapolis, MN

5d•$45,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Student Engagement Specialist is a vital, relationship-driven role at Menlo Park Academy, where you’ll partner with students, families, and staff to remove barriers to attendance and spark meaningful engagement in learning. Embedded in a small, trauma‑informed alternative high school serving grades 11–12+, this position works closely with the Co‑Directors, Care Coordinator, and school team to track attendance, address root causes of absenteeism, and design engaging academic and extracurricular experiences that keep students connected.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree preferred
Experience working with youth, ages 16-22
Language: Fluency in English required; proficiency in another language highly desirable
Proven ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to work with diverse population of individuals
Excellent case management skills
Proficiency in Google Suite
Valid MN Driver’s License and proof of auto insurance.
Dependable transportation is required.
All agency employees must have the basic competency to work effectively in a mission-driven agency, such as mission orientation, communication, collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, cultural competence, technological proficiency, ethical conduct whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion.

Responsibilities

Attendance Reporting Monitor school attendance line and record student absences
Work with Menlo support staff to identify students struggling with attendance and the root cause of student attendance issues
Support the Minneapolis Public School District’s Check and Connect attendance program
Consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians, educational staff, administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with attendance concerns and issues.
Introduce and refer students to resources that may assist them with personal and educational issues.
Travel to home and community-based settings to provide services, as needed.
Report attendance concerns to relevant agencies and coordinate support services
Support, track and assist with school-related challenges for students struggling with attendance
Support in planning with weekly field trips and other off campus learning opportunities
Participate in recreational and educational after-school activities for students.
Develop professional caring relationships with program participants and families.
Participate in school staff meetings, case consultations and student conferences as needed.
Work one-on-one with students throughout the school day to keep them in class and learning
Leading initiatives which provide students with voice and choice and promote positive school climate.
Other duties as assigned