COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON I

Position : Community Services Liaison I

Department : School Site

Reports To : Principal or Designated Administrator

SUMMARY

Provides assistance and support to students and staff at a school site. Serves as a communications liaison between District personnel, psychologists, students, parents, community agencies and public agencies. Performs supplementary para-professional counseling and communications assistance in student testing, assessment, attendance, health, discipline and learning.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under the general direction of the Principal and / or designated administrator, works independently in specialized program with student, parents, faculty and community social service agencies. Work relationships with others are extensive and include the school site, student homes and the community.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position is at a senior para-professional level, and focuses on relationships with community services organizations and public agencies that provide services to support the accomplishment of educational goals. Advancement to this position requires a minimum of a two year college program in child psychology or development and at least two years experience working with at risk school-aged children.

ESSENTIAL TYPES OF DUTIES (Examples)

• Coordinates ancillary services for students that involve external agencies, specialized providers, etc., such as psychologists, social services, and special District programs. Contacts public and community agencies to develop and deliver services to students and parents.
• Oftentimes in a home setting, counsels regarding problems at school or the community that affect school attendance and performance.
• Administers specialized tests to ESL students in collaboration with school Psychologists.
• Confers with teachers, specialists, counselors and administrators regarding individual student needs, problems and progress.
• Communicates with parents of migrant students by arranging and / or making phone calls or home visits. Provides and obtains information, explains special programs and promotes parent participation in school activities. Provides specialized counseling.
• Assists in the development of self-identity, self-esteem, awareness and pride among migrant pupils. Promotes the values of education and encourages attendance, participation and achievement.
• Performs other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills : In-depth practical knowledge of child development and psychology. Specialized knowledge of working with special student populations is necessary. Basic understanding of the education and teaching methods is required. Counseling, facilitating, training, and process leadership skills required. Advanced administrative and supervisory skills required. Requires considerable communication skills to interact in both formal and informal settings with a wide variety of contacts.

Abilities : Must be able to assist Psychologists, community agencies, public and social service agencies, teachers, and resource staff with the implementation of programs for at risk students. Requires the ability to recognize and meet the needs of special populations of students supported by the programs. Ability to assign, prioritize and review work is essential. Must be able to assess learning and behavior needs, and develop and implement appropriate programs. Work is performed in an office or a home setting, presenting minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Requires the ability to communicate with students, staff, parents and the public using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the District. Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Physical Abilities : Position involves standing, walking, stooping, and occasional carrying and lifting of lightweight materials (up to 20 pounds). May be required to sit for extended periods of time. Requires visual acuity and depth perception to recognize words and numbers; and hand and finger dexterity and hand / eye coordination to use a computer keyboard and common office equipment. Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over a phone and carry on conversations.

Education and Experience : AA Degree or equivalent with a minimum of two years experience working with students from a variety of cultures in an unstructured setting is required.

Licenses or Certificates : California Driver License required.

Requirements / Qualifications

The District is accepting applications for Community Services Liaison I in the Adult Education Department in Santa Cruz.

BASIC FUNCTION :

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, provide information to families regarding the assigned programs and related procedures, activities, rules, and regulations; serve as a liaison between personnel, families, community resources, medical institutions, and the public to assure smooth and efficient communications related to program activities.

This is the minimum experience and education / training standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for examination.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Any combination equivalent to : Graduation from high school and three years of experience working with students and families with diverse cultural backgrounds.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS : Valid California driver's license.

SELECTION PROCEDURE :

Individuals interested in employment are asked to describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. The process will begin with the competitive screening of qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a written, oral, and / or practical examination. Successful candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list according to the examination score. Final selection will then be made in accordance with Merit System rules from the established eligibility list. Fingerprinting and criminal record checks will be done on all prospective employees.

Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request with their application. Resumes are optional. Letters of recommendation are encouraged. Please attach it to your application packet. All materials received will be acknowledged and treated confidentially.

Comments and Other Information

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

All regular employees who work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week are entitled to the following fringe benefits (effective on the first of the month following employment). The District offers several options for Medical benefits-SISC Blue Shield, SISC Anthem Blue Cross, and Kaiser; three Delta Dental plan options; and Vision Care Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employee and dependents, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, and sick leave coverage for employee only. Classified employees are required to join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and as such contribute up to 8% of their monthly salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis.

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Employment with the Pajaro Valley Unified School District is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements, including Board of Trustee approval. As part of the selection process, all new employees are required to provide the following information : new employees must be fingerprinted (paid by the District); TB test (paid by the employee); social security card; picture identification; and authorization to work (I-9).

PAY DAYS : Permanent employees are paid on the last working day of each month.

PROBATION AND SALARY POLICY : Classified positions have a one hundred and thirty days (130) probationary period. New employees typically start on the first step. Any probationary or permanent employee will receive an annual step increment July 1st following fiscal year. Additional step increases occur yearly thereafter until the sixth salary step is achieved. Employees who work less than twelve (12) months per year and / or eight (8) hours per day should calculate their pay rate on an hourly basis and / or refer to hourly rates on the Classified Salary schedule.