Student & Family Support Specialist - Watertown City School District - Watertown, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

15d•$21

About The Position

This position will serve as the Student and Family Support Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County in support of the 4-H Afterschool Program. The 4-H afterschool program provides comprehensive youth development opportunities for youth in grades K-12. The Student and Family Support Specialist will be assigned to work in one or more of the following school districts: Watertown City School District, Indian River Central School District, Beaver River Central School District, LaFargeville Central School District, Belleville Henderson Central School District, Carthage Central School District, and Copenhagen Central School District. The Student and Family Support Specialist is integral to building strong connections between students, their families, the school, the afterschool program, and the local community, ensuring holistic support and engagement. This position works closely with the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager, Site Supervisors, Educators and school district staff to identify and meet the needs of students and their families. This position will design and implement family engagement events and activities with the school and community, offer parent education opportunities, and integrate Cornell University research and programming to meet the program objectives/goals. This position will utilize existing program resources and materials in program work and will assist in delivering educational programs as defined. This position will provide individualized support to designated students with special needs or requiring additional assistance during the 4-H Afterschool program. This position ensures students can access and participate fully in classroom activities, maintain focus, and succeed academically and socially in a safe, supportive environment.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or equivalent education (GED/High School Diploma and 1 year of transferrable program/functional experience).
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to meet all School Age Child Care (SACC) and Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licensing requirements (i.e. Tuberculosis Test, physical exam, training requirements).
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of subject matter appropriate to area of programming.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate and develop meaningful relationships with parents, community members, organizations, and students.
Demonstrated ability to connect new programming to existing programs and initiatives, as well as have a working knowledge of academics and curriculum to be able to connect programming back to learning environments for students.
Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
Demonstrated ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes.

Responsibilities

Provide the educational program as defined in the grant application.
Implement family engagement and literacy events, activities and tasks as needed to meet the program objectives and goals.
Coordinate events and activities in collaboration with school personnel and community organizations to promote family involvement and academic success.
Implement already-established 4-H Youth Development educational programing and activities in support of family engagement strategies as identified/needed to support the established plan of work.
Provide ongoing family engagement activities regarding best practices working with adults and youth.
Work to foster acceptance of the school community, methods, and policies while addressing community, family and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
Utilize a variety of delivery methods, including but not limited to phone calls, special events, written communication, workshops, family engagement and literacy events to support parents/caregivers in developing the skills and knowledge needed to support their student’s learning.
Utilize established program resources and materials in providing information and resources to youth and families in the 4-H Afterschool Program.
Provide individualized assistance to students with special needs or those requiring additional support during the 4-H Afterschool program.
Facilitate student access to afterschool activities, help students maintain focus, and support both their academic and social-emotional development.
Work with the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager, Site Supervisors and district staff including school day teachers and the CSE chair to identify resources to support student success in the 4-H Afterschool Program.
Assist the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager and/or Director of 4-H Afterschool Programs in ensuring that program delivery is within scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Serve as subject matter resource in the area of 4-H Youth Development, family engagement and provide standard responses.
Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire CCE Association, Youth and Family Program area and school district to achieve program delivery goals.
Assist in creating a welcoming school environment for families that promotes active involvement in the education of students.
Maintain a presence in the school at designated times for the purpose of reaching out to families and facilitating communication.
Serve as a representative on appropriate teams such as the 4-H Afterschool Advisory Committee.
Provide low-complex administrative management of established educational program goals.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the 4-H Afterschool program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Give guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work utilizing established practices and procedures.
Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e. program supplies and materials) to the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager.
Assist the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager in ensuring the program meets health, safety and other licensing standards.
Under the direction of the 4-H Afterschool Program Manager, coordinate and assist with program projects and program outreach efforts as instructed per already established program parameters.
Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.
Implement established program schedule.
Assist with program evaluation to include: collecting evaluation and needs assessment data from program participants.
Organize and coordinate activities related to LEAPS Programming.
Draft standard and non-standard communications requiring only occasional guidance from 4-H Afterschool Program Manager.
Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the LEAPS Program to include, but not limited to: ordering and inventory of supplies (including end of year inventory), assist with marketing, assist with brochure development and distribution.
Provide administrative support for fund development activities as identified.
Assist in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, school media and multi-media efforts.
Contribute and communicate 4-H news to include, but not limited to: articles of interest to program participants, parents and volunteers, recognition and program information.
Effectively communicate with school district staff, parents, and program staff to achieve program goals.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
Effectively maintain professional relationships as appropriate with school personnel, community agencies and businesses to promote efficient utilization of resources and support LEAPS grant mission and objectives.
Participate in required trainings to meet School Age Child Care (SACC) and Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) licensing regulations.
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Director of 4-H Afterschool Programs, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.