Student Engagement Specialist

The Student Engagement Specialist is a vital relationship-driven role at Menlo Park Academy where youll partner with students families and staff to remove barriers to attendance and spark meaningful engagement in learning. Embedded in a small traumainformed alternative high school serving grades 1112 this position works closely with the CoDirectors Care Coordinator and school team to track attendance address root causes of absenteeism and design engaging academic and extracurricular experiences that keep students connected.

Essential Job Functions

Attendance Reporting

• Monitor school attendance line and record student absences

• Work with Menlo support staff to identify students struggling with attendance and the root cause of student attendance issues

• Support the Minneapolis Public School Districts Check and Connect attendance program

• Consult and collaborate effectively with parents/guardians educational staff administrators and other educational/community resources regarding students with attendance concerns and issues.

• Introduce and refer students to resources that may assist them with personal and educational issues.

• Travel to home and community-based settings to provide services as needed.

• Report attendance concerns to relevant agencies and coordinate support services

Academic and Programming Support

• Support track and assist with school-related challenges for students struggling with attendance

• Support in planning with weekly field trips and other off campus learning opportunities

• Participate in recreational and educational after-school activities for students.

• Develop professional caring relationships with program participants and families.

• Participate in school staff meetings case consultations and student conferences as needed.

• Work one-on-one with students throughout the school day to keep them in class and learning

• Leading initiatives which provide students with voice and choice and promote positive school climate.

Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent; bachelors degree preferred
• Experience working with youth ages 16-22
• Language: Fluency in English required; proficiency in another language highly desirable

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to work with diverse population of individuals
• Excellent case management skills
• Proficiency in Google Suite
• Valid MN Drivers License and proof of auto insurance. Dependable transportation is required.
• All agency employees must have the basic competency to work effectively in a mission-driven agency such as mission orientation communication collaboration adaptability problem-solving cultural competence technological proficiency ethical conduct whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race ethnicity gender identity sexual orientation socio-economic status nationality and religion.

Working Conditions and Environment

This position operates in a secure accessible and smoke free office setting with occasional travel up to 10% per year. Work hours are typically Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with occasional evenings and weekends as required. This is a 12-month year-round position.