Migrant Education Recruiter - Student Support Specialist - Parent Involvement Specialist - Full-Time - Charleroi, PA

This is a grant-funded, full-time position.

About the role

The Migrant Education Recruiter-Student Support Specialist-Parent Involvement Specialist identifies, recruits, and enrolls eligible migrant children and out-of-school youth in accordance with state and local site recruitment plans. The role involves advocating for and assisting students in developing self-concepts and educational competencies, as well as supporting parents to meet their children’s needs.

Responsibilities

• Visit employers, schools, migrant families, and agencies for referrals and follow-ups.
• Maintain a working knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures relevant to the Migrant Education Program.
• Develop and maintain an understanding of educational initiatives, developmentally appropriate programs, government and social services available for migrant students, and multicultural awareness issues.
• Provide instructional support and intervention for students through schools, homes, and appropriate service agencies.
• Maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, funding agents, and staff.
• Act as an advocate for the Migrant Education Program and migrant students by explaining program components to parents, schools, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Maintain accurate records and necessary documentation.
• Provide or coordinate summer enrichment activities for children in their homes or through other agencies.
• Interpret and translate (oral or written) for parents, staff, and school personnel as needed.
• Encourage and track migrant children (ages 3–21) regarding school attendance, class performance, testing gains, progress toward graduation, or kindergarten readiness.
• Assess student accomplishments and progress regularly, provide required reports, and refer issues to appropriate agencies through collaboration.
• Maintain effective communication and provide regular program updates to the Supervisor of School Improvement Services - Federal and State Programs.
• Involve parents in the implementation of the Migrant Education Program through planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Coordinate and plan with the local Parent Advisory Council (PAC).
• Facilitate parent meetings four times per year.
• Meet with the local Parent Advisory Council every other month.
• Attend statewide Parent Advisory Council meetings one to two times per year.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license in the individual’s state of residence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or a related area (desired).
• PA Instructional Certificate (desired).
• Experience accessing regional support services.
• 1–3 years of previous experience as a teacher, caseworker, or in direct services to children and young adults.
• Working knowledge of the Migrant Education Program and services.

Skills

• Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and guidelines.
• Adapt to change.
• Collect, document, and report data accurately.
• Meet all program responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively.
• Build collaborative relationships.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. The incumbent must be able to sit at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods and routinely use standard office equipment, primarily computers. Frequent travel outside the home office is required; candidates must have a vehicle and a valid driver’s license to attend job-related duties, meetings, seminars, and trainings.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Occasionally (<20%).
• Sitting: Frequently (>80%).
• Lifting: 0–20 lbs. occasionally (<20%); 20–50 lbs. occasionally (<20%); over 50 lbs. rarely.
• Travel: Frequently (>80%).
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally (<20%).
• Manual Keying/Data Entry: Often (30–60%).

Pay

Salary: $41,865 (firm).

Schedule

260 work days per school year.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon hire date, with a $75/month stipend for individuals or families.
• Life insurance: Two times salary, up to a maximum of $250,000, provided at no cost to the employee.
• Paid time off: 20 vacation days, 13 paid sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 mental health days per school year (based on start date).