McKinney Vento Liaison

McKinney-Vento Liaison

The McKinney-Vento Liaison is a professional position responsible for supporting the needs of students and families eligible under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The Liaison serves as a critical connection between home, school, and community to identify, address, and reduce barriers that impede the educational progress of McKinney-Vento students. This position requires a high level of confidentiality, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate professionally with co-workers, students, families, and community partners.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters involving students and families.
• Use technology effectively to complete required tasks and documentation.
• Report to work as scheduled and exhibit reliable attendance.
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines and program needs.
• Work independently with limited direction and follow complex written and oral instructions.
• Communicate clearly, courteously, and tactfully—both orally and in writing—with staff, students, families, and community members.
• Demonstrate strong time-management skills, initiative, sound judgment, and flexibility.
• Possess familiarity with St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) programs, policies, and procedures.
• Understand post-secondary education systems and the college admissions process.
• Apply project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills to lead and support initiatives.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an advocate for McKinney-Vento students and families by working collaboratively with community organizations and regional partners to coordinate support services.
• Work with Pupil Personnel Workers to maintain the homeless student database and document services provided.
• Collect, track, and analyze data for assessment, reporting, and monitoring purposes.
• Maintain accurate casework documentation for use by school staff and external agencies.
• Provide clear communication to district residents regarding services and resources available to families experiencing homelessness.
• Ensure immediate enrollment of students identified as homeless and mediate enrollment disputes according to the McKinney-Vento Act.
• Monitor the academic progress of homeless students throughout the school year to ensure full and equitable access to educational opportunities.
• Coordinate and secure eligible educational services, including tutoring and academic support.
• Inform families of available educational and related services and support their meaningful participation in their child's education.
• Assist families in accessing transportation services and ensure they are aware of available options.
• Disseminate required public notices of educational rights to locations serving homeless students.
• Identify students experiencing homelessness through communication with school staff, home visits, phone calls, and coordination with community providers.
• Maintain detailed records of interactions, living arrangement changes, and transportation needs for homeless students and families.
• Provide training and professional development on McKinney-Vento requirements to district staff and affiliated personnel.
• Order, distribute, and monitor the use of posters, brochures, and materials related to homelessness across district buildings.
• Communicate identified needs of homeless students and families to school administrators.
• Support the development and maintenance of the transitional resources website for homeless students and families.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field; or
• Four (4) years of experience in education, community development, or program management.