What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Advocate position at HCPS - Dumbarton Elementary School?
Henrico County Public Schools is one of the six largest public school divisions in Virginia with a nationally recognized educational program. Henrico County is a suburban community surrounding the city of Richmond, VA. We are 104 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the east; 94 miles from the scenic Skyline Drive to the west; 106 miles from Washington, D.C. to the north; and 75 miles from the North Carolina border to the south.
Our Mission:
Henrico County Public Schools, an innovative leader in educational excellence, will actively engage our students in diverse educational, social and civic learning experiences that inspire and empower them to become contributing citizens.
This position will be located at Dumbarton Elementary School. It is a grant funded position and will be contingent upon yearly grant funding .
The Family Advocate is a 220-days/8 hours per day position for SY 23-24. Starting annual salary is $31,985.91 ( Note for the 2023/2024 school year: The salary for this position will be prorated based upon the official start date .)
Responsible for the coordination, identification, and implementation of activities which enhance parent participation in two-way meaningful communication with the school regarding PreK through 5th grade students' academic learning and other school/community activities. These activities include ensuring parents play an integral part in assisting their child(ren)'s learning by being actively involved in their child's education at school and in the community; helping parents understand their role as full partners in their child's education; and provide service resources to PreK through 5th grade families.
Ability to work as an advocate for at-risk families and children. Knowledge of Social Service Agencies and the public education environment. Must have skills in communicating, problem solving, organizing, interpersonal relationships, staff training, program administration, and decision-making or any equivalent combination of experience and training which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Self motivated. Hours may be flexible.- Serves as an advocate for ALL families and children in Title I schools.
- Becomes familiar with program policies and procedures and service area plans.
- Assists with recruitment and enrollment.
- Provide family crisis intervention as needed with assistance of other program staff.
- Assist parents in enhancing skills (e.g. parent education classes, ESL classes, computer and technology classes, and adult classes) for the purpose of being actively involved in their child's education.
- Coordinates resources such as transportation, child care, FAMIS, fuel assistance, Department of Social Services, etc., for the purpose of providing the parent an opportunity to become an active participant in school activities/organizations.
- Assist parents with transportation to appointments and parent functions as appropriate.
- Organizes and facilitates workshops (e.g. day, evening, and/or weekends) for the purpose of providing information, resources, and support to parents enhancing their overall parenting skills in the school and community.
- Collaborates with others to promote and ensure the importance of parent involvement with school personnel for the purpose of providing effective methods and tools for working with parents as equal partners.
- Communicates with parents, teachers, principals, and community organizations for the strengthening parent/school/community relationships.
- Maintain ongoing contact with teaching staff through class visits, email, telephone, etc., in order to share relevant information and gain information regarding child performance in the classroom.
- Conducts home visits for the purpose of enhancing appropriate parenting skills related to the academic success of their students.
- Actively encourages parents to participate in parent meetings, field trips, etc.
- Encourages parent-initiated school contacts (e.g. PTA, PTO, HFPAC/SPAC, Parent Volunteerism, and Parent Teacher Conferences) for the purpose of involving the parent as an active participant in their child's education.
- Informs parents of community-based educational opportunities for the purpose of providing additional academic support beyond the regular school day.
- Maintains a variety of records/documents (confidential and non-confidential) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or ensuring documentation for future reference in accordance with administrative and legal requirements.
- Implements "Family Needs Assessments" for each family to assess family goals and needs; and provide recommendations and referrals for relevant community resources.
- Document and track follow-up for family needs and goals.
- Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child.
- Participates in staff development activities and professional growth opportunities.
- Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
The School Board of Henrico County is committed to nondiscrimination with regard to sex (including pregnancy), gender, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law (except where such is a bona fide occupational qualification), in employment or in its programs and activities.
Salary : $31,986 - $0