7.6 Hour DEI Community Specialist I - FAN - Regular

Description

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title : DEI Community Specialist I

Department : Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Reports To : Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Equity

Job Definition

Under general supervision, the DEI Specialist I serves as a resource to students and families, eliminating barriers that restrict them from fully engaging in their school communities. This position requires independent judgment, knowledge of district and community resources, and the ability to navigate across cultures, systems, and sectors.

Nature and Scope of Work Essential Job Functions

• Serves as a visible and accessible liaison between the school and community resource providers.
• Make home visits to families, as appropriate.
• Assists students / families with completion of paperwork necessary for enrollment, services, etc.
• Provides information / training to other agencies, public groups, and school staffs, as needed.
• Develops and maintains trusting relationships between the district / school and the parents / students .
• Facilitates discussions across cultures for the purpose of understanding and resolving student, family, and school issues.
• Is available and accessible to students, families and school staff, including attendance at evening events.
• Reaches out to students and families in need and assists them in navigating social services.
• Completes all necessary paperwork required by funding sources / agencies and maintains accurate records.
• Attends school site meetings as appropriate (CARE,EBISS, RTI, etc).
• Makes connections with students and families regarding attendance concerns and looks for ways to eliminate barriers and help students re-engage in school.
• Refers family to other community resources, if needed.
• Schedules appointments and sends prior notice to student / parent.
• Coordinates family services at each school / district site by creating an inviting physical setting.
• Communicates their daily schedule with appropriate site staff and responds to phone messages, email, etc. promptly.
• Follows appropriate district policies and procedures and professionally represents the school / district in all interactions.
• Maintains a safe environment for students at all times and promptly reports safety concerns.
• Attends work regularly and completes all required trainings and meetings.

Working Conditions

The DEI Specialist I works with individuals and small groups who may face a variety of barriers. They must be able to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time. As this is an itinerant position, extensive travel among schools may be required. They may from time to time lift or move boxes weighing up to 30 pounds and / or maneuver up to 50 pounds. The employee works under tight, inflexible deadlines. The tasks require extreme accuracy and concentration. The employee works with many interruptions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge

Skills & Abilities

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education and Experience

High school diploma and one to two years of advanced education / experience in the specific job requirements, including previous experience working with families and young children from a variety of backgrounds.

The ability to acquire in-depth knowledge of work-related School District polices and practices is necessary. Job proficiency can be acquired in six to twelve months.

Benefits Information :

Bend-La Pine Schools provides its employees with a range of competitive and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, life and disability insurance, an employee assistance program, options to enroll in employee funded 403(b) and / or 457(d) retirement savings plan, and various leave and professional development programs.

Bend-La Pine contributes the required 6% of employees' annual salary on a pre-tax basis to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS / OPSRP) on the employee's behalf.

To learn more about the additional benefits or compensation options available for each employee group, please visit our website.

The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work and physical requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work or otherwise to balance the workload.