Engagement Specialist - Viola Gibson

Engagement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY
:
The Engagement Specialist is a dedicated advocate for student success, believing that all students can achieve when provided with the right supports. The role focuses on removing barriers through behavioral, attendance, and family-centered interventions, using an assets-based approach to identify student, family, and staff strengths and foster a positive school culture. As a key member of the building's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), the Specialist ensures every student can engage fully with their education and reach their highest potential.

The Engagement Specialist reports directly to the Building Principal and collaborates with district staff, families, and community agencies.

• Participate in PBIS and behavioral intervention meetings to support school-wide positive outcomes.
• De‑scale behaviors with a trauma-informed approach and facilitate student reintegration into the classroom.
• Model and facilitate self‑agency, empowering students to problem‑solve and recognize their own capabilities.
• Apply an assets‑based framework in crisis strategies, focusing on student strengths.
• Collaborate with staff to deliver school-wide social, emotional, and behavioral programming that reinforces a positive climate.
• Engage families as essential partners, meeting them at school, home, or in the community to collaborate on student needs with an assets‑based lens.
• Build respectful relationships with parents, staff, and community stakeholders, communicating that every family contributes to their child’s success.
• Connect youth and families to social services and community agencies, advocating for necessary resources.
• Monitor attendance and behavior data to identify risk conditions and implement proactive support plans.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with students and families to ensure continuity of care.
• Support staff by sharing strategies that align behavioral and attendance interventions with academic goals.
• Act as a collaborative member of the school staff, attending support team meetings to ensure a unified approach to student success.
• Provide up to 30 minutes of daily supervision duties (e.g., lunch, recess) and model positive behavioral expectations.
• Represent the school professionally, maintain confidentiality, and reflect the district’s commitment to equity and student potential.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

• Assets‑Based Perspective
  :
  View students, families, and colleagues through a strengths lens.
• Equity & Achievement
  :
  Commit to identifying and removing barriers to student success.
• PBIS Proficiency
  :
  Execute PBIS frameworks with fidelity.
• Strength‑Based Communication
  :
  Communicate clearly and respectfully with diverse populations.
• Crisis & De‑Escalation
  :
  Master techniques that preserve student dignity and promote reintegration.
• Systemic Problem‑Solving
  :
  Continuously solve problems and multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Data Integrity
  :
  Analyze student data to inform interventions and report progress.
• Resource Advocacy
  :
  Navigate complex systems to secure resources for student needs.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in social service programs supporting youth and families.
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Preferred:

• Experience with MTSS/PBIS.
• Experience with restorative and trauma‑informed practices.
• Experience working with youth in a school setting.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and student information systems.

• Read, analyze, and implement content from technical documents and regulations.
• Write clear reports and communications to students, colleagues, parents, and staff.
• Present information orally and respond to questions from administrators, teachers, staff, and students.
• Solve problems effectively.
• Interpret varied instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

• Stand, walk, use hands for tools and controls, talk, and hear during duties.
• Squat, stoop,…