TITLE: Family and Community SpecialistLOCATION: Frank RushtonThe Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy, the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings.With Head Start/preschools, 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 college and career academies/high schools, we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 56% Hispanic, 24% African American, 9% White, and 6% Asian. To serve our students, the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,800 teachers.JOB GOAL:Specialist will work closely with family members and community organizations and resources to build a partnership that supports and engages them in the educational process for all students.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Acts as a liaison and advocate for families
Works as a team with staff to plan and implement methods and techniques to increase parental and community involvement and engagement.
Empowers and encourages families to make use of all identified resources as it relates to school and student wellness and academic success
Outlines clearly to parents school grading policies, results of assessments and student learning goals and available resources available to support student success
Encourages parents and community organizations to become actively involved in all school activities, programs and tools. (academic nights, family nights, PTA, Booster Club, Family Advocacy, School loop, student performances)
Contacts community partners and churches in order to set up a volunteer and mentor program (school supplies, tutoring, mentoring, etc).
Work as a team with the school leadership team, school counselor, Community in School representative and school nurse to assess, and support additional resources needed for student's health concerns, and special family needs and services.
Establishes links and working relationships with appropriate service providers/community agencies.
Attend and facilitate professional development opportunities as provided
Conduct home visits when needed with appropriate staff, to follow up on progress or make contacts when other means of communication/contact are lacking.
Communicate with parents regularly regarding school activities, services, parental education sessions and school achievement.
Work as a team with the school counselor to implement programs and activities that promote good study habits, additional learning opportunities and provide college and career preparedness for students.
Participate actively in the school improvement process and be on the school improvement planning team
Other duties as assigned by principal
QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum of 60 hours college experience
Experience working with students and staff in an urban school setting
Ability to work effectively with students, staff and parents from diverse background
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills
In-depth knowledge of the community, community-based agencies, community organizations and resources
Ability to plan, organize and complete activities and/or programs
Able to work some evenings, after hours and week-ends as needed
COMMUNICATIONMaintains communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action which will meet the educational needs of students.Provides health services, information, and counseling in an effective and positive manner to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.Completes accident/incident reports for students/staff.Compiles data for statistical purposes.Maintains confidentiality regarding educational records.ORGANIZATIONMaintains a daily log of school/staff visits and documentation.Maintains the daily environment of the health office facility and supplies.Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.Performs other related work as required.REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 pounds such as pushing on a bike ore wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture. While performing the duties of the job the employee occasionally may visit a child's home. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students' safety, work output and well-being.OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.Terms of Employment: 186 daysSalary: $17.59 - $21.02/hourFLSA STATUS: EXEMPTReport to: Building PrincipalEvaluation: Evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlines by the USD #500 Board of EducationSIGNATURES:The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individual holding this position performs additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KCKPS is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex/gender (to include orientation, identity, or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.For more information regarding Title IX please contact:District Compliance Coordinator2010 N. 59th StreetKansas City, KS 66104913-279-2262Title IX@kckps.orgThis job description has been approved by all levels of management:ManagerHuman ResourcesJob Title : Family and Community Specialist - SY24/25Primary Location : Frank Rushton ElementarySalary Range : $17.59 - $21.02 / Per HourShift Type : Full-Time
