Parent Community Liason

Reports to the Department of Student Services.

About the role

Improve student attendance by fostering positive, restorative relationships with students and families, addressing barriers through restorative justice practices, and connecting students and families with school and community resources that promote engagement, accountability, and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with all stakeholders to identify appropriate students.
• Provide information to parents about Arbor Park 145 procedures, instructional programs, and the names and roles of administrators and staff members.
• Monitor and communicate with appropriate Principals, Social Workers, Counselors, and support staff about students' attendance patterns.
• Identify and work to resolve impediments to school attendance.
• Direct contact with identified students.
• Conduct meetings at school or in their homes for parents who request help in completing specific forms for school registration.
• Provide information to parents about the resources available to them throughout the school system and community by becoming familiar with the publications and services of the school system and by helping families to access community resources.
• Make home visits to parents, as appropriate, and establish contact via phone, email, and meetings.
• Contact parents to serve on school committees or to attend special events at the school.
• Communicate with parents about school services and specific activities and events, and help answer questions.
• Maintain confidentiality in carrying out responsibilities.
• Follow all Arbor Park Board policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Support online registration (e.g., ALMA or other student information system), including:
  • Assisting families with residency and affidavit requirements.
  • Providing outreach to families who have not completed registration.
  • Maintaining accurate enrollment records and reports.
  • Collaborating with the registrar, school offices, and district departments to ensure a seamless enrollment experience.

Requirements

• Ability to build positive relationships with students and parents.
• Must be a community member in Arbor Park School District 145.
• Must have basic electronic communication skills (email, text messaging).
• Must have strong communication skills (oral/written).
• Must maintain strict confidentiality.
• Is trustworthy and dependable.
• Must hold a valid driver's license.
• Prior training on de-escalating techniques preferred (can be provided through the district at no personal expense).
• Relates well to people of all ethnic groups.
• The ideal candidate will be fluent in both English and a second language such as Spanish, Arabic, Gujarati, Polish, etc.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Commitment to working as a team member in providing services to staff and students.
• Experience working with students preferred but not required.
• Can operate standard office equipment.
• Can establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and community.
• Can speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication.
• Can perform all duties assigned with an understanding of district requirements and confidentiality in health issues according to Board of Education Policy.
• Can read and interpret documents, such as maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and safety rules.
• Can communicate with students, staff, parents, and community members appropriately.
• Can assist in the general office if needed.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally sit, walk, or stand.
• The employee will occasionally reach forward or above the head more than the average person.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move and push up to 90 pounds, such as students and students in wheelchairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance available on the first day of employment with generous Board-paid portions.

Schedule

This is a 210-day per fiscal year position.