7.6 Hour FAN Advocate - La Pine Middle School/High School - Regular

Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Posting Ends: 8-4-23

School Year: 2023/24

Contract Days: 188

Hours Per Day: 7.6

Exceptional Benefits

JOB DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, the Family Access Network (FAN) Advocate serves as a resource to students and families in the county who are in need of assistance in meeting basic needs and eliminating barriers that restrict students from fully engaging in school. This position requires independent judgment to deal with a variety of screenings and assessments for eligibility. The FAN Advocate works directly under the site administrator with oversight from the Coordinator for the Family Access Network.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serves as the fixed point of referral for school site Family Access Network.
• Is visible in the school and community promoting the mission and services of FAN.
• Schedules and completes intake / screening with students/families.
• Provides information / training to other agencies, public groups, etc. when requested.
• Develop and maintain trusting relationships between the district/school and the parents/students.
• Ability to facilitate discussions across cultures for the purpose of understanding and resolving student, family, and school issues.
• Be available and accessible to students, families and school staff, including evening events.
• Effectively reaches out to students and families in need and assists them in navigating social services.
• Completes all necessary paperwork required by funding sources/agencies.
• Participates in ongoing training.
• Coordinate, train, and support staff in all aspects of the MAC Survey.
• Attends school site meetings as appropriate (CARE, EBISS, RTI, etc).
• Make connections with students and families regarding attendance concerns and looks for ways to eliminate barriers and help students re-engage in school.
• Proactively reaches out to students and families based on resources available and/or concerns voiced by school staff.
• Refers family to other community resources, if needed.
• Schedules appointments and sends prior notice to student/parent.
• Coordinates the FAN Site at each school site by:

• Acts as a service broker for students and families by providing access to necessary resources.
• Makes connections through referrals and provides access to resources efficiently and timely.
• Acts as a liaison among the community agencies, the school and the student/family.
• Is a team player working as part of a team at the school, district and county levels.
• Carries out the goals of the individual FAN site work plan.
• Regularly attends FAN meetings and participates in numerous ongoing trainings.
• Communicates his / her daily schedule with appropriate site staff.
• Accurately maintains records and completes reports.
• Creates an inviting access center (physical setting) which provides a confidential space to meet with students and families.
• Communicates clearly and appropriately with students, family, staff and community partners.
• Utilizes available resources to assist children and families to meet their needs.
• Establishes clear, professional boundaries with students, families and staff.
• Has knowledge of pertinent policies regarding attendance, sick leave, reimbursement procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The FAN Advocate may from time to time lift or move boxes weighing up to 30 pounds and / or maneuvering up to 50 pounds. The employee works under tight, inflexible deadlines. The tasks require extreme accuracy and concentration; the employee works with many interruptions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Normal developmental sequences and learning patterns.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Community agencies and services.
• Record keeping systems.

Skills & Abilities:

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Relate appropriately to students and their families regarding varying degrees of problems and concerns.
• Use independent judgment with interpretation of information gathered.
• 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.
• Able to maintain patient, positive, persistent attitude with a warm, accepting personality.
• Follow instructions and promote the success of programs and the students served by these programs.
• Work successfully in a team setting with professionals and peers.
• Read, understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintains regular attendance and is punctual. Maintains a schedule and communicates with sites when schedule needs to change.
• Learn to deal with bodily fluids.
• Learn the operation of telephones, computers, and other equipment used in the work, as required by the position.
• Adhere to the district requirements for a drug-free workplace.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately in speech and in writing in accordance with educational standards.
• Obtain or posses a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain an insurable status for automobile and liability coverage, as required by the position.
• Abide by confidentiality requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Spanish Speaking

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma and one to two years of advanced education / experience in the specific job requirements, including previous experience working with families and young children within social services agencies.

The position requires working knowledge of several technical procedures or work activity areas and the ability to teach them to others. In-depth knowledge of work-related School District policies and practices is necessary. Job proficiency can be acquired in twelve to twenty-four months.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

The statements herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work and physical requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work or otherwise to balance the workload.