Specialist, Parent & Family Engagement (McAllen High School/ Wilson Elementary)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To provide instruction to parents in and out of the school environment and promote the academic and affective needs of students by providing leadership training that empowers parents to be an advocate for the educational needs of their children; to promote a positive working relationship, among and between staff and the community, by establishing a climate conducive to open communication and productive work.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s Degree in Health & Human Science, Education or Behavioral Science, Preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of oral and written Spanish required

Competent oral and written English skills

Word processing and graphic design

Ability to speak in front of large groups

Ability to effectively consult with parents, teachers, administrators and community members

Ability to work with others in a collaborative role

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in education or related field, required

Days: 187

Daily Rate pay range:

 Minimum:  $267.16

 Maximum: $372.74 

Note:  Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Title I Strategist:

1. Keep informed about current legislation, educational developments, literature and research in parental and community education by participating in state and national professional organizations; attend appropriate conferences and staff development sessions; disseminate professional information and materials to parents and staff.

2. Assist in planning, organizing and conducting the annual District Advisory Council and Parent Advisory Council Meetings to inform parents of their school’s participation in Title I, Part A and to explain the Title I, Part A requirements and the rights of the parents.

3. Plan, organize and conduct special seminars in communication, leadership, involvement and personal growth so parents can demonstrate instructional skills that can be implemented at home.

4. Design and conduct, with campus and district personnel, parent surveys to determine the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy to improve the academic quality of the school served under Title I, Part A and use the findings to design strategies for more effective parental involvement.

5. Document and keep records (agendas, sign in sheets and minutes) of all parental involvement activities (i.e., meetings, workshops, seminars) and submit monthly in order to compile program evaluation information for annual final evaluation report.

6. Identify sources of funding which may be utilized to enhance and support parental involvement and training programs in the schools.

7. Attend monthly Parent and Family Engagement meetings conducted by the Federal Programs Strategist/Director for State and Federal Programs to discuss topics pertinent to the implementation of policies and services at the campus level.

Principal:

8. Coordinate closely with the principal, instructional coordinators, support staff, teachers and other Parent and Family Engagement Specialists to support schools in training school staff regarding engagement strategies.

9. Conduct parent meetings, in English and/or Spanish, with timely information about Title I, Part A programs: a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school (with Administrator/Staff support), forms of academic assessment systems used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.

10. Provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement.

11. Encourage parents to become more involved in school activities by joining the parent teacher organization, serving on school planning committees and solicit parent volunteers for field trips, meetings and other special events.

12. Invite parents to participate in Parent & Family Engagement meetings scheduled during morning, afternoon, and/or evening hours, in both face-to-face and virtual settings, as needed.

13. Produce/disseminate flyers/brochures via Skyward, email, and social media to encourage and increase parent and family engagement.

14. Collaborate with campus organizations to increase parent participation and awareness of the Title I Program.

15. Keep the principal informed regarding the status on all projects undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

16. Assist Title I, Part A, parents, and families with resources, such as school supplies and/or referrals to district/community support services.

17. Provide parents with the awareness and opportunity to retrieve resourceful links via district and campus websites.

18. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

19. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator) in accordance with funding source guidelines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Telephone, computer, copier, laminator, projector and other office equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate multiple projects; meet deadlines

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Must enjoy working with diverse populations, both children and adults. Must be available for flexible scheduling for early mornings, evenings, and weekends (i.e., conferences, workshops, parent meetings, and/or trainings). Must have personal transportation that can be used to conduct home visits, and/or out of campus meetings. Must be willing to participate in food purchasing and preparation. Frequent prolonged and irregular hours occasional evening hours; frequent district wide and occasional state or national travel; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds and over.

Salary : $267 - $373