STEM Middle Academy Family Liaison

About the Role

The Family Liaison will use home visits as a strategy to support families to positively affect student achievement and to increase effective communication between home and school.

Responsibilities

• Connect families to resources by:
  • Providing information on available Springfield Parent Academy workshops and other school and district family activities
  • Supporting families with social needs by providing information on appropriate community resources
  • Assisting parents with referrals to district programs and services
  • Actively promoting district and school events and family activities
• Promote student success by:
  • Helping families understand district/school policies and procedures such as attendance, homework, uniforms, and other related information in the Student/Parent Handbook
  • Creating ways for parents and teachers to personally meet to address students’ academic progress (e.g., Parent-Teacher Conferences)
  • Assisting parents with general questions and basic information related to special education and other academic programs
  • Supporting families with parenting skills to help their children
  • Working with teachers and other staff to develop learning kits for home visits
• Build relationships with families by:
  • Welcoming families, personally meeting them, and introducing them to the school community
  • Identifying potential Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Centered Decision Making (SCDM) parents and encouraging their active participation
  • Creating opportunities for families and teachers to personally meet
  • Participating in school events such as open houses and coffee hours to connect with parents
  • Acting as a liaison between families and school staff when issues arise, more information needs to be shared, or cultural differences are a barrier
• Assess the needs of families by:
  • Documenting needs of families through PowerSchool and other tracking tools
  • Using observation and other techniques to identify specific needs of families and their progress
  • Developing support plans to work with families
• Work in collaboration with parents, teachers, counselors, and attendance officers to enhance communication between school and home
• Attend parent engagement capacity-building workshops geared toward parents and/or school staff
• Collaborate with parent and community organizations to build the capacity of parents and families
• Work with the PACE Center Team and community groups to support district activities and the Springfield Parent Academy
• Assist school staff with identifying potential translation services

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college preferred or minimum of two years of experience in family services or related human services field
• Ability to communicate effectively with families in a friendly and supportive manner
• Ability to work as an effective team member in a diverse educational, multicultural environment
• Skill, ability, and knowledge of Microsoft Word
• Ability to access email and the internet
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Access to transportation is required
• Bilingual skills highly desirable

About Our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. As the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts, we have over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff.

We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen, and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district committed to equity and excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits
• Numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities shaped by district data
• Support for teaching staff through mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches
• Career advancement opportunities
• “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs to help staff achieve a college degree or certification