Student and Community Advocate - Sharpstein Elementary School

Job Classification: Full-time hourly non-exempt; 40 hours per week/200 workdays per year Reports to: Program Manager Benefits: Medical/Vision/Dental with 100% employee premium paid by the organization; Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick time; 403b Retirement; Mileage reimbursement Pay Range: $23 to $28 per hour DOE Location: Sharpstein Elementary School (Walla Walla, WA) Start Date: August 6, 2026 (anticipated)

SUMMARY

At Communities In Schools, our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. This position is responsible for the overall planning and implementation of the Communities In Schools model of integrated student supports in strong collaboration and partnership with building staff at identified schools. Our Integrated Student Supports model places Student and Community Advocates directly in schools to overseeing the implementation of the CIS model. They develop new strategies and community partnerships to provide additional support and resources to students and families through confidential, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive interventions, services, and supports. The Student and Community Advocate ensures strong CIS Model service delivery implementation and data management that meets the unique needs of the schools and communities they serve. They will also work closely with schools to ensure strong collaboration and partnership with building staff and support the development of both local and regional community partnerships to meet identified needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with school administrators, staff, teachers, full-service community partners, and CIS leadership to ensure a team approach to build upon existing strategies and leverage new opportunities to address the academic, behavioral, social, emotional and resource needs of students and their families. Provide whole school supports available to all students aligned with identified school goals. Assess community, school, and student assets and needs to collaboratively develop an annual CIS site plan which identifies goals and leverages existing resources to avoid duplication. Implement and coordinate the annual site plan strategies to include periodic monitoring to assess impact and adjust services as necessary. Maintain frequent communication with building leadership regarding activities and progress towards goals. Provide home visits to case managed students as necessary. Build and maintain local formal and informal community partnerships to facilitate access to needed resources to meet the needs of students and families. Serve as a broader community resource to schools by sharing information and supporting school focused activities such as school orientations, open houses, and family engagement. Evaluate the effectiveness of school-wide and targeted strategies through a systematic data collection process and report progress to school leadership and community partners. Maintain a positive image by understanding and demonstrating the CIS mission, goals and initiatives within the school and community. Support the development of local and regional community agency partnerships and resources as identified to help address needs; participate in regional or community coalition work as appropriate. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications: Equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of relevant work experience; AA degree with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 4 years of relevant work experience. Strong relationship-building skills, particularly with disengaged youth and their families. This can be demonstrated through work experience, volunteer experience and/or formalized education. Demonstrated experience working with youth, knowledge of and passion for youth development. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, community partners, and the public. Ability to work with people of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Resourceful – able to identify multiple solutions to presenting issues. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. Must have a record of being punctual and maintaining regular attendance. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Valid Washington state driver’s license, access to reliable transportation and proof of adequate vehicle insurance coverage. Ability to move 25lbs on an occasional basis. Must pass a criminal background check. Desired Qualifications: Familiarity and existing relationships within the local community. Education/experience in social work strongly preferred. Experience in education, mental health, juvenile justice, or related field preferred. Advanced CPR/First Aid Training (or willingness to become certified). Knowledge of and experience living and working within similar communities. Bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural connection to Spanish-speaking community as appropriate based on building needs.

BENEFITS

• Medical/Dental/Vision (100% of employee premiums paid by the company)
• 5 days paid vacation (prorated)
• 12 paid holidays
• Sick time
• 403b Retirement account with employer contributions after 1 year
• Cell phone and mileage reimbursement

Application Information This position is being posted now for the 2026-27 school year, with an anticipated job start date of August 6, 2026. Please submit your application, resume, and cover letter expressing your interest in the position. Hiring Practices At Communities in Schools of Washington, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Don’t meet every single qualification? Studies have shown that women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you think you are a good fit for this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may have lived experience or natural abilities (versus learned experience) that would be just the right fit for this or other roles. Communities In Schools is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and promotes policies and practices which support and grow our capacity to reflect these values across all aspects of our agency. Communities In Schools of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant will be discriminated against because of age, disability, familial status, gender, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status