Program Specialist- McKinney-Vento Liaison

FOREST GROVE SD 15 Student Services Department - Forest Grove, Oregon Open in Google Maps

• This posting will close at 5:00 pm on October 22, 2026
• Location:
  
  TBA
• Hours:
  
  4 Hours per day
• Days:
  Monday-Friday
• Start date:
  
  As soon as your Background and Fingerprints clear
• Bilingual English/Spanish Required

POSITION SUMMARY

The job of McKinney-Vento Liaison is responsible for identifying, supporting, and ensuring delivery of educational services and basic needs resources to students experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or placement in the foster care system. This position aims to eliminate barriers to immediate enrollment, school stability, attendance, and academic success while ensuring compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act. This position also serves as the foster care point of contact for the district.

This position works closely with the Forest Grove School District Family Resource Center and reports to the Director of Student Services or designee.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

McKinney-Vento and Foster Care Program and Student Support

• Ensures that children and youth experiencing houselessness, and unaccompanied youth, are identified and enrolled in school
• Assists families and youth with accessing transportation to their school of origin and overcoming barriers to school attendance
• Participates in professional development and other technical assistance offered by the state
• Provides school district personnel with professional development and other support
• Ensures that unaccompanied youth are informed, and receive verification, of their status as independent students for college financial aid
• Connects students and families experiencing homelessness with referrals for health and other basic needs resources
• Distributes public notice of McKinney-Vento rights in location frequented by parents and youth
• Collects, monitors, and shares accurate data as required for district and state reports
• Serves as the primary point of contact with ODHS workers for youth in foster care.
• Ensures timely resolution of enrollment and eligibility disputes in accordance with McKinney-Vento and district procedures

Systems Collaboration and Community Outreach

• Connects students and families with school-based services and supports
• Engages with community partners in the interest of serving students experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care
• Communicates and collaborates regularly with school staff including administrators and school counselors in the interest of serving students and families

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets with families in multiple environments, such as schools, libraries, child care settings, shelters, etc.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position.
• Participates in professional development activities as required by the district
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education :
High School diploma or equivalent; 72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education or passing score on Work Keys Test. Bachelor's Degree in Social Service or related field of study preferred.

Experience :
Prior job related experience paid or volunteer with school age children, families and community organizations. Experience with delivering effective trainings. Experience planning, developing, and evaluating programs.

Skills :
Fluently bilingual (Spanish/English) in both oral and written skills. Operate a computer, office machines, telephone and other technology equipment. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organizational skills. Skills to communicate with parents, students, staff and community using English and Spanish in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, and perform basic mathematical calculations. Excellent data skills including collection, analysis, and use of data for decision-making.

Knowledge :
Knowledge of McKinney-Vento Act and youth in foster care requirements

Abilities :
Work harmoniously with others. Work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job. Work independently without supervision, and with minimum oral/written instructions. Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules,…