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Family Engagement Specialist, Carlow University, Pittsburgh
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April 18, 2023
The Family Engagement Specialist will help the Woodland Hills School District increase parent involvement – within the school district and with their children’s academics and well-being. The Family Engagement Specialist serves as the liaison between the school and parents, relaying the needs of one to the other; educate teachers and staff on how to communicate and work effectively with parents as equal partners; advise and train parents on how to address issues with the leadership staff in school meetings; serve as a school-based intermediary contact for concerns and comments made by parents and community members’; provide referrals to community-based services for families; expand opportunities for continued learning, voluntary community service, and civic participation. The Family Engagement Specialist develops community collaborations; promotes sharing of power with parents and decision-makers; helps parents understand the educational system so they can become better advocates for their children’s education; and promotes mental wellbeing across the lifespan by increasing awareness of mental health and promoting well-being.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:- Serves as liaison between administrators and staff regarding parent involvement issues
- Assembles, compiles, and distributes information pertinent to families such as community resource information, programs, legislation, strategies, etc. as requested.
- Maintains a variety of confidential and non-confidential lists and records (computerized and manual) for the purpose of documenting and/or providing reliable information
- Communicates and participates in a variety of meetings, workshops, and committees (e.g., parent-student workshops, educational seminar/conferences/workshops, department in-services).
- Facilitates family participation in various activities: identify and encourage recruitment of parent volunteers; arrange parent activities including recruitment, training, and scheduling.
- Provides regular communication with parents and community members to apprise them of events and opportunities at school.
- Assists site and District personnel to develop a positive school climate that welcomes parents and community members.
- Identifies and develops strategies to increase parent participation and community involvement in educational matters.
- Works with parents to evaluate trainings and workshops.
- Surveys parents district-wide to assess the effectiveness of parent involvement.
- Plans and implements parent education/training program activities related to parents’ rights, advocacy, mental health and wellness, and parent support designed to enhance parents’ involvement in student education.
- Facilitates related training activities, workshops and events by coordinating the development of presentations and arranging presenters, facilities, equipment and materials.
- Works with district’s Social Workers and Counselors to break the stigma regarding using school-based mental health programs.
- Offers creative solutions for engaging parents who aren’t typically present or involved in school life.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION LEVEL REQUIRED:- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, education, or related field.
MINIMUM RELATED EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:- Experience serving as an advocate for children and parents
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills
- Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Understands and respects the diversity of families’ economic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds and situations
- Understanding of the importance of mental health and wellbeing for people and communities
- Ability to host parent meetings off school sites and in the local community and/or neighborhoods
- Experience with developing collaborative partners and building relationships with constituents in the community
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:- LSW, LPC, or similar license preferred
Application Deadline:
- Wednesday May 10, 2023 or until position is filled
Why Carlow University?- Culture of integrity, dignity and respect for all
- Strong commitment to social justice
- Ethical forward-thinking leadership
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life & disability benefits package
- Tuition benefits for undergraduate and graduate programs
- Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
- Complimentary use of Carlow’s fitness center and amenities
Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow is situated in a culturally rich and diverse urban setting. Carlow University aims to provide transformational educational opportunities rooted in social justice for a diverse community of learners, and to empower them to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.
Carlow University employees commit themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. They commit to act with integrity, treat others with respect and dignity, carefully steward the University's resources, avoid conflicts of interest or commitment, maintain confidentiality, and to comply with legal and professional obligations. Carlow University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We strive for a campus that reflects our urban setting and is inclusive of underrepresented groups to enhance our University community.
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature, working conditions and level of work performed by employees within this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, working conditions and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. In lieu of education and experience noted, an equivalent combination of the two may be considered.APPLY FOR THIS POSITION