District Family Advocate - Spanish Speaking; Office ities

District Family Advocate - Spanish Speaking (Office for Students with Exceptionalities)

Position Type:
Civil Service/ District Family Advocate (Spanish Speaking)

Date Posted: 1/22/2024

Location:

Poughkeepsie City School District

18 South Perry Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, is interested in receiving applications from qualified candidates for the position of District Family Advocate - Spanish Speaking at the Poughkeepsie City School District.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and one of the following:
  • Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Education or Social Work
  • Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and two years of responsible experience in a school district of community organization involving extensive contact with parents and students or two years of leadership in a parent‑teacher organization; which included working with families and parents on community and/or education‑related issues
  • An equivalent combination of training and experience within the confines of (a) and (b) above.

The Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) is committed to providing students and parents with pathways to opportunity that will lead to achievement and success. Through student‑centered effective and transformational leadership, school and community engagement, and an unrelenting pursuit to achieve greater school outcomes for children, the Poughkeepsie City Schools is focused on developing and growing greater access, equity, opportunity, and quality across PCSD.

This position has the responsibility for engaging parents in the special education process and providing support to parent leaders and principals to increase parental involvement in school buildings. The District Family Advocate (Spanish Speaking) will give voice to the concerns of families and parent leaders at the District Office, assist principals in creating active parent‑teacher organizations in school buildings and facilitate more effective school/home communication between teachers and parents.

Under the direction of the Executive Director for Students with Exceptionalities, this position will identify and respond to families’ concerns and work with schools, staff, and other agencies to ensure that each concern is addressed in a timely manner. Work is performed under the supervision of the Executive Director for Students with Exceptionalities. Supervision of others is not a typical requirement of this position.

Some evening hours and travel to off‑site locations and student homes are required.

• Provides support to Spanish‑speaking families during the school enrollment process, as assigned by the Executive Director for Students with Exceptionalities
• Leads support efforts and programs for families
• Collaborates with families, teachers, parent organizations, community‑based partners, and others to engage families in effective Special Education programming for their eligible children
• Coordinates training, meeting logistics and communication needs with school district administration
• Serves as a problem‑solver and facilitator for families and parent concerns regarding Special Education, accessibility, and communication with District providers
• May visit individual schools on a regular basis to provide support and guidance to parents or school staff, as assigned
• Develops and maintains up‑to‑date contact and residency information for families of students receiving Special Education services out of District
• Assists in gathering parent engagement survey information
• Prepares and distributes report to District parent leadership on residency concerns for students placed out of District
• Develops an awareness of specific concerns and needs of the Spanish‑speaking population in the school district…