Family Engagement Liaison (Bilingual -Spanish preferred)

Union: Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) | Salary Grade: 1620

Job Summary

Serves as the liaison between school and parents, relaying the needs of one to the other. Provides opportunities to develop effective family‑school partnerships to support student achievement and school improvement. Assists parents with understanding the school system so they can become better advocates for their children’s education. Expands opportunities for continued learning, voluntary classroom service and school participation. Advises and trains parents on how to address issues with teachers and the school leadership staff. Provides referrals for community‑based services for families dealing with conditions that impact the academic achievement of their students. Develops community collaborations and promotes sharing of power with parents as decision‑makers.

Essential Functions

• Responds to concerns/issues raised by parents/guardians with empathy, dispatch and effectiveness; helps the school community develop a family‑friendly school climate amongst staff, students and families.
• Develops programs and activities designed to engage families in improving student achievement.
• Prepares monthly family engagement action plans, organizes family engagement events and parent information nights/workshops supporting Family University sessions on topics such as Common Core standards, report cards, Parent Right to Know, response‑to‑concerns policy, child development, parenting skills, school policies, homework help, reading, writing, math, standardized testing, school safety, bullying, college and career readiness, etc.
• Develops and implements effective family involvement strategies to empower families as key decision makers and advocates for their children.
• Provides coordination and technical assistance to ensure Title I, Part A parent involvement regulations are met, including annual Title I meeting, written parental involvement policy, and school‑parent compact; compiles documentation of compliance.
• Develops volunteer activities, improves recruitment, training, scheduling, and coordinates family leaders, room parents, parent‑teacher conferences, roundtables, community meetings, school advisory council meetings, Family University, and use of the Translations and Interpretation Center.
• Prepares and disseminates school newsletter and other communications; reaches out to families via mailings, phone calls, and face‑to‑face meetings.
• Assists with development, coordination and implementation of school advisory councils; attends selected meetings to observe compliance, provide assistance, and serve as informational resource; maintains documentation.
• Acts as school‑based intermediary between administrators and families to resolve concerns and comments.
• Conducts home visits to provide access to needed resources.
• Works flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and two weeks in August for training and school opening support (up to 20 hours per week).
• Attends required bi‑weekly collaboration meetings and central‑office trainings.
• Reports weekly activities and goals to school staff and administrator.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of full‑time, paid experience in social services or a related field that includes working with parents, schools, children, or community organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of communication skills and techniques.
• Understanding of economic and social problems experienced by urban families.
• Familiarity with functions and resources of community organizations and social service agencies serving families and children in Philadelphia.
• Proficiency with office principles, practices, procedures, and personal computer applications for creating reports and documents.
• Ability to work effectively with parents/guardians to address specific concerns.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as outreach events dictate.
• Reliable transportation for work at multiple school locations.
• Use of tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment in dealing with sensitive issues and hostile attitudes.
• Promotion and encouragement of parental participation in District‑wide initiatives.
• Respect for diversity of families’ economic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Competence with appropriate technology and software applications to create reports, maintain records, and provide data.
• Ability to host parent meetings and attend community meetings off‑site.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships.