Paraeducator, Family Engagement Liaison, Head Start

Position Title:

Paraeducator, Family Engagement Liaison, Head Start

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Salary Grade, if non-union:

Pay Grade, if union:

PA07

Non-Union or Specific Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Paraeducator Union

Our Mission:

The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students.

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The duties are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This job description is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Other duties may be assigned which are not listed. Additionally, when duties and responsibilities of this job change, this job description will be reviewed and updated, subject to changes and business necessity.

Custom Job Purpose:

This position exists to serve as a liaison between the school and the home, and coordinates/plans delivery of services to at-risk families enrolled in the Head Start process, including the ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Eligibility, Selection , and Attendance). This position meets Head Start standard 1302.91 (7) as a family service staff. Performance is evaluated by observing work and periodic confere3nce, critiques, records, and reports.

Essential Functions of this Job

Implement the recruitment process designed to actively inform all families with eligible children within the recruitment area of the availability of program services and encourage and assist them in applying for admission to the program. Specific attention shall be paid to families with children with disabilities and other vulnerable children, including the homeless and children in foster care.

Conduct home visits and parent conferences to implement Head Start Parent, Family community Engagement Framework.

Offer monthly parent engagement opportunities to encourage nurturing skills and strengthen home-school relationships.



Lead in planning, implementing, and organizing all Head Start parent engagement activities.



Provide documentation of phone calls, record keeping, scheduling meetings, developing parent resources, meeting agendas, attendance forms, etc., utilizing the ChildPlus Platform.

Provide reinforcement and support to classroom teachers and make referrals to local agencies for special needs.

Ensure that parents know testing requirements, discipline procedures, educational resources, and school advisory committee meetings.

Provide family referrals to community-based organizations and support families with accessing resources such as medical or dental services, assist families in making appointments, navigating processes either with the computer or paperwork requirements.

Prepare materials for parent training, help recruit parents for the skills development seminars, and encourage community-based organizations to support schools.

Act as a mediator between home and school, especially when there are issues of misperception and miscommunication.

Make home visits and motivate parents to engage with their children's education and social/emotional development.

Serves as the liaison between district-based personnel and preschool parents during the transition to kindergarten.

May also require evening visits to students' homes and participation in occasional recruitment events on the weekend.

Non-Essential Functions of this Job

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Minimum of two (2) years# experience working with parents and students of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Ability to understand written and oral instructions, speak and write coherently, keep records and create reports, and work cooperatively and professionally with other school personnel, parents, students, and other social agencies. Must be proficient with computers using software applications. Must be willing to work and interact in diverse schools and neighborhoods. Provides own transportation with reimbursement according to District policies. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Education, Experience and/or Certification/License Requirements

Sixty (60) or more college credit hours or an Associate's degree or higher from an accredited school with the focus of Social Services or related field or a passing score on the Para Pro exam required. Within eighteen (18) months of hire, at a minimum, must have a credential or certification in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field. This position will require attending courses in child development, family goal development, family well-being, and parenting skills programs.

Work Context:

Requires some sitting and standing, walking, and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones, and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals, and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with students, individuals, and teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and the public.

Physical Environment:

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Requires sitting for the majority of the day, and the ability to lift, carry, move, and position objects infrequently weighing up to 20 pounds. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district.

Local Code:

10003

EEO5:

46

Approval Date:

Mon Oct 09 2006 23:00:00 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)

Date Last Revised:

2/16/2023

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.