School Community Specialist

The School Community Specialist is a full-time role responsible for assisting with the implementation of the school-wide behavior and attendance related support and community outreach. The School Community Specialist (SCS) conducts outreach to families in an effort to proactively reduce chronic absenteeism and level 2 and 3 behaviors. Additionally, the School Community Specialist will lead reward and recognition work related to attendance and other school priority initiatives. The School Community Specialist will collaborate with the School Improvement Team and school leaders to design programming to involve families and community members in order to improve student attendance and student engagement and reduce behaviors that could lead to out of school suspension. The School Community Specialist also develops and implements programs and strategies that will establish partnerships and collaborations with community agencies, corporate organizations and families. The School Community Specialist will work closely with the principals, guidance, special education, ILT, teachers, families and community members. EXEMPLARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Initiate connections with families of students who were chronically absent and who had lower attendance rates to ensure that students are fully aware of summer school opportunities, both in-person and virtually, to support closing the achievement gap for students. This includes making home visits, phone contact, and utilizing community supports. Assist in building a positive internal school community Support teachers with efforts to build positive relationships with students Create/lead mentoring program for students to support them in their academics and personal development Support school events, ILT meetings and School Improvement Team Meetings in order to encourage community connection and investment in the school culture Maintain a visible presence throughout the school in common areas and hallways. Provide support to students with a variety of social-emotional needs. Support teachers with efforts to build positive relationships with students Make phone contact with the student's parents/guardians. Develop strategies to ensure parent and family involvement in the school. Assist in the coordination of parent/community advocacy and support for the school. Coordinate events and celebrations including culturally diverse activities that affirm the international heritage of all students and their families. Lead reward and recognition work related to attendance and other school priority initiatives Initiate community outreach, using appropriate cultural and linguistic strategies, to connect with disengaged families. Identify resources collaborators/speakers to facilitate dialogues and presentations for the student body. Establish formal/informal partnerships with community and corporate agencies KNOWLEDGEABLE IN: Behavior de-escalation techniques Community outreach Student Absenteeism root causes and interventions that work Planning and organizing of events Behavior Management Techniques Data Analysis and action planning based on data RTI (Response to intervention) Cultural competency Technology and the Student Information System The related laws of Rhode Island, the BEP, and the policies, regulations, and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of Education. SKILLED AT: Building relationships with students, families and community members Public speaking; writing; listening; problem-solving; dispute resolution and providing direction Analyzing attendance data Ability to communicate with other professionals in a respectful and productive manner Respectful, sensitive, and professional communication with family and community Ability to work as a team with building faculty and district staff Excellence in problem-solving and organization skills Timely completion of tasks and paperwork requirements Creative in solutions to problems and in the development of service models to meet the needs of students Complete the requirements of the job in a fast-paced environment Research and data analysis Use of technology Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: High School Diploma required, Associates degree, 60 credits or relevant experience in the field, is preferred.. Bilingual candidates preferred. Benefits Package Includes: • Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options • Retirement Benefits: Participation in a state pension plan (e.g., ERSRI), plus optional 403(b) retirement savings plan • Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, personal days, and paid holidays in accordance with district policy • Life Insurance: Employer-sponsored coverage, with optional supplemental policies • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to counseling and wellness resources • Professional Development Opportunities