Family Liaison

The vision of the Arlington Public Schools is to be an equitable educational community where all learners feel a sense of belonging, experience growth and joy, and are empowered to shape their own futures and contribute to a better world.

ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, MA 02476

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Family Liaison - Gibbs 6th Grade School

JOB GOALS: This position works directly with the principal and the District Welcome Center throughout the year to provide and connect individuals to support services for all families, administration, and staff. This role facilitates and coordinates two-way relationships with families and the broader school community through development of community-facing programming, supporting staff with their communications with families, and supporting the principal in the development of proactive and two-way communications and planning for grade 5 to 6 & 6 to 7 transitions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Education, Communications, Community Engagement, or similar required; Master's degree in Communications or related field preferred.
2. At least five (5) years experience with public-sector community organizations; educational institutions preferred.
3. Experience with case management and community engagement, including organizing events, organizing referrals, understanding and implementing IEPs, and responding to crisis situations.
4. Experience building positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
5. Bi- or multi-lingual preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. Excellent communication, language, and interpersonal skills.
2. Extensive knowledge and expertise in navigating communications software, including websites and newsletter applications.
3. Ability to develop and maintain connections with both internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to town departments, service providers, teaching and support staff, and the administration.
4. Knowledge of the policies and best practices pertaining to school and district communications and inclusion of families in educational services.
5. Ability to use multiple modes and strategies for connecting with families.
6. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
7. Knowledge of research and best practice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Educational Settings, especially as it relates to community engagement and communication.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

1. At the direction of the principal, coordinates, publicizes, and attends all general transition meetings from Grades 5-6 and Grades 6-7, including meetings between administration and staff, to support a successful and supportive transition between grade levels for all students.
2. Report to administration across school sites on outcomes and next steps resulting from transition meetings, and follow-up on next steps as necessary.
3. Monitor student attendance and follow up with families in cases of chronic absenteeism or other attendance concerns. Collaborates with appropriate staff to develop strategies to improve attendance.
4. Host events during the summer to welcome families to new school settings, including tours and informational sessions.
5. Coordinate and implement student events to build community and aid in transition, such as annual overnight excursion, school visits, and other events.
6. Serve as a liaison between the school and families during crisis situations or emergencies, providing support, resources, and information to ensure the well-being of students and their families.
7. Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators to identify and address individual student needs. Provide resources and referrals to appropriate support services within the school or community when necessary.
8. Maintain accurate records of communication, interactions, and services provided to families.
9. Compile and analyze relevant student and family data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
10. Work directly with the District Welcome Center to organize educational events for families during the school year in response to family questions, concerns, and needs as they emerge.
11. Attend meetings of various stakeholder groups, including but not limited to the PTO, DIG, School Council, or other family-facing groups, in order to connect initiatives and ensure coherence of efforts across the school community.
12. In collaboration with the principal, develop and implement communications strategies and systems for the school in alignment with district communications expectations, including arranging for translations and interpretations when necessary.
13. Oversee and manage the school website in alignment with district expectations and in collaboration with members of the school community and the District Welcome Center.
14. Coordinate with the Welcome Center and Town/community service providers to refer families to services not provided by the district as needed.
15. In collaboration with the principal, provide resources and professional learning experiences to teachers and staff to support productive and consistent expectations for two-way communication between families and educational staff.
16. Participate as a member of school-based leadership teams as appropriate and directed by the principal.
17. Collaborate with Arlington Community Education to message and facilitate access and participation in Trailblazers Guide to Gibbs summer programming for incoming 6th graders, or arrange for visits to Gibbs as necessary to support individual students' transition to 6th grade.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Year, Independent Contract

REPORTS TO: Gibbs Principal (Primary), Director of Communications and Family

Engagement (Secondary)

SALARY & BENEFITS: $60,000-90,000

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice. We are looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.

• Position Type:Full-time
• Positions Available:1

Job Category :Student Services > Pupil Personnel Worker
Equal Opportunity Employer

Arlington Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Requirements

• No experience required

Contact Information

• Robert Spiegel
• 869 Massachusetts Avenue
• Arlington,Massachusetts 02476

• Phone: 781-316-3496
• Email: click here

Salary : $60,000 - $0