26-27 Director Office of Basic Needs and Housing Support Services

Position Summary:

The Somerville FamilyLearning Collaborative(SFLC) established in2011 is the department of family and community engagement ofthe Somerville Public SFLCs mission is toenhance the capacity of families and schools to support childrenslearning and wellbeing bycollaborating with communitypartners and promotingwelcoming responsive schools and programs.

The SFLC Director of Basic Needs and Housing Support Services leads the coordination and implementation of supports for students and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness students in foster care and unaccompanied immigrant children and youth. This role strengthens district capacity to deliver high-quality services safeguard students rights and remove barriers to accessing research-based strategies that improve outcomes for children and youth

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

The SFLC Director of Basic Needs and Housing Support Services is responsible for compliance and implementation of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistant Act and Title I Part A Foster Care Provision. The Director oversees resources referral and case management of services provided to students and their families at risk for or experiencing homelessness students in foster care and unaccompanied minors and youth.

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the key components of this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position

• Understand and support the SFLC mission and values
• Collaborate with stakeholders and service providers with the goal of access and inclusion of students experiencing homelessness students in foster care and unaccompanied minors and youth
• Ensure the rights of students experiencing homelessness per the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act and promote awareness in schools and community
• Develop and maintain systems for resource and referral
• Develop and oversee data systems to track student and family eligibility services provided and educational progress
• Develop and maintain effective communication among stakeholders and service providers
• Disseminate policies processes and guidance to SPS schools and departments; update annually
• Oversee transportation systems with the goal of student safety and access to educational and enrichment programs
• Collaborate with SPS Departments (SFLC and Student Services) and School based student support teams to ensure implementation of student/family plans for services
• Collaborate with Somerville High School to ensure that Unaccompanied Youth have access to the appropriate supports and services
• Coordinate with and maintain communication with Department of Children and Families (DCF) and mental health care providers in order to maintain case information for individual student plans
• Collaborate with City of Somerville agencies including but not limited to the Office of Housing Stability (OHS) Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Partner with SFLC staff for referrals and access to Basic Needs for students and families
• Collaborate with and implement services provided by Cradles for Crayons as well as other providers of material resources
• Serve as the District Liaison to local regional and state meetings to build resources and advocate for the needs of homeless students in the State
• Comply with all reporting and program evaluation requirements
• Advocate within the district and community for student at risk for and/or experiencing homelessness students in foster care and unaccompanied minors and youth to ensure their educational rights are upheld and they receive required services and support to achieve equitable educational outcomes
• Maintain trauma-informed and culturally responsive provision of services and train others to develop understanding of the social and economic factors that can lead to homelessness transiency migration and immigration
• Supervise and provide support to SFLC Basic Needs and Housing Support Services Social Worker
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the positions essential functions.

• Physical Strength Requirements:May involve lifting or carrying items up to 10 lbs
• Posture & Movement Requirements:Frequent walking or standing
• Sensory Requirements:Ability to perceive written information (near vision); Ability to perceive distant objects or hazards (far vision); Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions; Ability to speak clearly

Qualifications knowledge abilities and skills:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese
• Demonstrated knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Act state compliances and reporting systems
• Demonstrated knowledge of local service providers and networks of care
• Strong familiarity with local housing agencies programs and referral processes
• Proven commitment to equity access and inclusion within diverse communities
• Proven understanding of social political and economic factors that can lead to homelessness transiency migration and immigration among diverse communities
• Excellent communication relationship building and organizational skills
• Experience in developing and facilitating workshops and trainings
• Digital literacy and proficiency with data systems
• Ability to collect and manage data and create reports
• BA in Social Work Education or related field Masters Degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience in related field

Reports to: Director of Somerville Family Learning Center (SFLC)

Position Details:

Location:Central Office/District-Wide

Department:SFLC

Union Affiliation:Non-Union

Terms of Employment:

Work Year:Full-Year (260 Days)

Work Hours:8 hours/day

FLSA Status:Exempt

Benefits Status:Eligible

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs facilities or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race color age religion disability pregnancy home status marital/civil union status sex/gender gender identity sexual orientation citizenship status place of birth national origin ancestry cultural identity genetics or military status and does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

Required Experience:

Director