Temporary STLS Advocate

Job Summary

Role aligns with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and is supervised by the school principal. The primary duty is to serve as a liaison between the school and the community, performing related tasks as necessary.

Southwest Side — 4136 South California Avenue (Thomas Kelly High School)

• Identification and Enrollment:
  • Identify students in temporary living situations (STLS) with sensitivity and proactivity.
  • Execute enrollment procedures for STLS students, ensuring immediate enrollment without documentation concerns.
• Transportation Facilitation:
  • Determine transportation eligibility for each STLS student.
  • Implement STLS transportation processes for CTA and hardship transportation.
  • Manage CTA card distribution and inventory.
• Compliance and Documentation:
  • Ensure compliance with STLS program requirements.
  • Complete all STLS accountability reports accurately and on time.
  • Manage STLS student records in the Aspen Student Information System, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
• Academic Support:
  • Develop student action plans to address underlying issues and barriers to academic success.
  • Monitor attendance and academic performance, utilizing data for informed decision‑making.
• Community Engagement:
  • Connect with community‑based organizations and local homeless services.
  • Maintain relationships with local shelter providers, housing service providers, and other community‑based organizations.
• Collaboration and Dispute Resolution:
  • Collaborate with school and district staff, participating in dispute resolution.
  • Refer and connect students to school‑based programs and resources.
• Communication and Evaluation:
  • Maintain ongoing communication with STLS students and parents.
  • Document interventions and evaluate program success.
• Legislation and Policy Adherence:
  • Stay informed about applicable legislation and policies, including the McKinney Vento Act and Every Student Succeeds Acts.
• Student Transitions and Post‑Secondary Assistance:
  • Assist with student transitions and matriculation.
  • Provide support for navigating post‑secondary options and resources.
• Record Management:
  • Administer tasks to evaluate STLS student, parent, and program success and feedback.
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with enrollment protocols in STLS student records.
• Other duties: Duties assigned by principals or other school leaders that are not specific to support for STLS students should not exceed 10% of an STLS Advocate’s time.

• Strong roots in the community and experience supporting students and caregivers struggling with housing instability.
• Good knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies, and knowledge of CPS and Federal regulations.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with students and caregivers.
• Empathy for the struggles and needs of students.
• Ability to work with various and diverse community organizations and members.
• Ability to prepare routine written reports.
• Ability to recognize and respond to community and parents’ concerns and educational interests.
• Good human relations skills; excellent oral communication skills; good writing skills.

Graduation from an accredited educational institution with a Bachelor’s degree required.

• Engaging collaboratively with communities and families who are experiencing vulnerability, and providing tailored support and resources to address their unique challenges and foster resilience.

• In‑depth knowledge of community organizations and social service agencies, along with a solid understanding of CPS and Federal regulations.
• Proven ability to cultivate strong working relationships with both students and caregivers.
• Demonstrated empathy for the struggles and needs of students experiencing housing instability.
• Proficiency in collaborating with diverse community organizations and members.
• Skill in preparing routine written reports to effectively communicate information.
• Ability to recognize and respond to community and parents' concerns and educational interests.
• Strong human relations skills, fostering positive interactions.
• Competence in written communication, ensuring clear and concise expression of ideas.

• Establish/Maintain Chicago residency:
  Employees must live within Chicago’s geographic boundaries within six months of hire and maintain residency throughout employment. (Temporary or part‑time positions are exempt, but all employees must be Illinois residents.)
• Be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19:
  Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, employees must be up‑to‑date on COVID‑19 vaccinations, including boosters, and submit proof within 30 days of hire. “Up‑to‑date” means at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.