Job Title: Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist
Reports to: Building Principal
Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 10 month/ Exempt/200 Duty Days
Position Purpose: The Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist works collaboratively with students families and schools to provide needed assistance to identify literacy concerns and create plans to ensure students are successful. The ideal candidate will plan events and develop partnerships involving parents schools and the community to promote literacy at the Omaha Public Schools. In addition the Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist will work with community agencies that support the mission and vision of the Omaha Public Schools.
Essential Performance Responsibilities
- Promote effective communication and understanding among schools and the community about the importance of family/community engagement and student achievement regarding literacy.
- Serve as a resource person for school and other district staff; respond to questions and provide referrals to available sources of information relating Omaha Public Schools goals and strategic plan towards Literacy for all students.
- Communicate concerns and needs of families to district personnel as appropriate.
- Resolve Parent and Community Referrals regarding student Literacy.
- Facilitate mediations between school personnel and stakeholders.
- Builds a nonevaluative learning relationship between themselves and parents with the goal of learning together improving instruction and student achievement.
- Builds positive relationships with all parents.
- Serve as a liaison to community groups to provide information about Omaha Public Schools its students and families and how Omaha Public Schools work collaboratively with wrap around services.
- Uses available resources to reach out to parents and the community to build relationships and sustain school involvement.
- Encourage participation in school activities and form partnerships with the school district regarding literacy.
- Coordinate activities for families and community engagement; identify and schedule speakers transportation and any necessary equipment; order food or other supplies; participate in events as appropriate.
- Work cooperatively with diverse district staff families and community groups to identify develop and promote district programs about literacy.
- Maintain accurate records and/or documentation which may include: Assessments observations and the Omaha Public Schools required forms
- Participates in ongoing professional development and technical assistance to increase teamwork and collaboration.
- Contribute to the districts inclusive workplace efforts by fostering a safe welcoming and respectful environment.
- Maintains a positive courteous and professional manner at all times.
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Equipment: This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers copiers scanners and fax machine. Must always comply with OPSs guidelines for equipment use.
Travel: Travel within the District will be required.
Physical and Mental Demands Work Hazards:
- Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
- Must have organization time management communication and interpersonal skills.
- Work in an office environment school buildings and community settings.
- Ability to life move and reposition objects and materials frequently exerting force equal to lifting fifty (50) pounds.
Interrelations:
- Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
- Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
- Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
- Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
- Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly professional manner and provide quick responsive customer service.
Employee Punctuality and Appearance
- In order for schools to operate effectively employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday unless the employee has received approved leave.
- Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employees supervisor or building administrator.
- All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
- Ability to work flexible hours to serve students and family needs.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
- Bachelors degree in education public relations social work or a related field Masters degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years experience working directly with schools families and/or communities.
- Experience organizing and conducting staff training.
- Experience facilitating community forums/discussions.
- Knowledge of effective schoolfamilycommunity partnerships.
- Knowledge of community resources available in the entire Omaha
- Computer skills including the ability to use Wordprocessing and database software
- Excellent communication skills listening oral and written.
- Ability to interact effectively with persons representing diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Must have access to a reliable means of transportation in order to visit school and community sites.
- May perform other related duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.
Terms of Employment
This position is treated as a fulltime exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.
The offer of employment is contingent upon:
- Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses certificates and other requirements for the position (e.g. Paraprofessionals obtaining Highly Qualified status etc.) as identified and maintaining all licenses certificates and requirements for your position throughout employment.
- A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
- Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Successful completion of a preemployment drug test (if required for position offered).
- Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
- Successful completion of a preemployment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin religion sex (including pregnancy) marital status sexual orientation disability age genetic information gender identity gender expression citizenship status veteran status political affiliation or economic status in its programs activities employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity 3215 Cuming Street Omaha NE 68131. ()
The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services programs activities education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority