Family Liaison

Family Liaison

The Family Liaison will use home visits as a strategy to support families to positively affect student achievement and to increase effective communication between home and school.

Primary Functions of the Job

A. Connecting Families to Resources

• Provide information on available Springfield Parent Academy workshops and other school and district family activities
• Support families with social needs by providing information on appropriate community resources
• Assist parents with referrals to district programs and services
• Actively promote district and school events and family activities

B. Promoting Student Success

• Help families understand district/school policies and procedures such as: attendance, homework, uniforms and other related information in the Student/Parent Handbook
• Create ways for parents and teachers to personally meet to address students' academic progress (i.e. Parent-Teacher Conferences)
• Help parents with general questions and basic information related to special education and other academic related programs
• Assist families with parenting skills to support their children
• Work with teachers and other staff to develop learning kits to use in home visits

C. Building Relationships with Families

• Welcome families, personally meet them and introduce them to the school community
• Identify potential Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) & School Centered Decision Making (SCDM) parents and personally meet them for active participation
• Create ways for families and teachers to personally meet
• Participate in school events such open houses, coffee hours to personally connect with parents
• Act as a liaison between families and school staff when issues arise, more information needs to be shared or cultural differences are a barrier

D. Assessing the Needs of Families

• Document needs of families through Power School and other tracking tools
• Using observation and other variety of techniques; identify the specific needs of families and their progress
• Develop a support plan to work with the families

Key Responsibilities of the Job (Minimum requirements)

• Work in collaboration with parents, teachers, counselors, and attendance officers to enhance communication between school and home
• Attend parent engagement capacity building workshops geared towards parents and/or school staff
• Work in collaboration with parent and community organizations to build the capacity of parents and families
• Work in collaboration with the PACE Center Team and community groups to support district activities and the Springfield Parent Academy
• Assist school staff with identifying potential translation services

Educational & Job Experience Requirements

• Associates Degree from an accredited college preferred or minimum of two years of experience in family services or related human services field
• Communicate effectively with families in a friendly and supportive manner
• Ability to work as an effective team member in a diverse educational, multicultural environment
• Skill, ability and knowledge of Microsoft word
• Skill and ability to access email and internet
• Possess interpersonal and organizational skills
• Access to transportation is required
• Bilingual skills highly desirable

If you believe, we have a place for you on our team! Come work for us!

About our District

Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the third largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.

Join a team that empowers educators

In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in "Grow our Own" and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.

The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Nondiscrimination Employment Statement

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

Notice of Sex Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.