District Family Advocate - Spanish Speaking; Community Schools

District Family Advocate - Spanish Speaking (Community Schools) Position

Poughkeepsie City School District, 18 South Perry Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and:
  EITHER
  • Graduation from an accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master’s degree in Education or Social Work;
  • or
  • Graduation from an 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 that involved 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;
  • or
  • 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 of Community Schools, 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 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 offsite 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;
• Lead 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 and addresses these concerns.

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish (the ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English) with the ability to translate, as necessary. Good knowledge of the organizational structure, goals and objectives of the school district, as well as specific programs and operations. Good knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of the school district, and of specific programs.

Working knowledge of community organizations and available…