Migrant Education Student Support Specialist/Parent Involvement Specialist

Great workplace and excellent benefits!

- 35 hour standard work week
- Monthly medical premium share of only $70 - individual or family!
- PPO health plan with great coverage and low deductibles
- Employer paid dental and vision
- Climate and culture of the organization are top of mind
- 15 holidays per year and very generous paid time off plan

Position Summary:
The Migrant Education StudentSupport Specialist/Parent Involvement Specialist is responsible for utilizing the resources of the home, school, and community to maximize the experience of schooling for eligible migrant students' ages 3 through 21 in the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent. They will also work with schools and service agencies to advocate and assist all students in developing self-concepts, educational competencies, etc. to become responsible and productive members of the society. This is a grant funded position.

Required Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or Equivalency
- Bilingual, in Spanish Preferred
- Valid PA driver's license

Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in education or related field
- PA Instructional Certificate
- Experience with accessing regional support services
- 1-3 years of previous experience as a teacher or caseworker or other experience involving the direct services to children and young adults
- Working knowledge of the Migrant Education Program and services

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Maintain a working knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures relevant to the Migrant Education Program
- Develop and maintain an understanding of educational initiatives, developmentally-appropriate programs, government and social services, parental involvement activities, etc. which are available for migrant students, and multicultural awareness issues, as appropriate
- Provide instructional support and intervention for students through their schools, homes, and appropriate service agencies
- Maintain a positive working relationship with appropriate stakeholders, funding agents, and IU5 staff
- Act as an advocate for the Migrant Education Program and migrant students by explaining the components of the program to parents, schools, government, social service agencies, and other appropriate community agencies
- Maintain all required and appropriate records and necessary documentation accurately
- Encourage and track migrant children ages 3 through 21 relative to their successful experience with school regarding attendance, class performance, and gains in testing, progress toward graduation or kindergarten readiness
- Help plan, conduct, and evaluate the summer school program and summer in home program
- Assess the accomplishments and progress of students on a regular basis, provide reports as required, and through collaboration, refer issues and concerns to the appropriate agency(ies)
- Maintain effective communication with and provide regular program updates to the Supervisor of School Improvement Services - Federal and State Programs
- Involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way with the implementation of the Migrant Education Program through planning, implementation, and evaluation
- Coordinate and plan, with local Parent Advisory Council (PAC) officers, a minimum of four parent meetings a year
- Meet with the local Parent Advisory Council every other month
- Attend state wide Parent Advisory Council meetings one-two times per year
- Maintain effective communications with other Migrant Education parent specialists and the Migrant Education central office through phone calls, meetings, and mailings
- Interpret and translate (oral or written) for parents, staff, and school personnel as a supplemental service as needed
- Maintain effective communications with and provide regular program updates to the Supervisor of SIS Federal and State Programs
- Perform other duties as assigned

Performance Factors/Job Competencies:
- Comply with all federal, state, and local laws and guidelines
- Adapt to change
- Collect, document, and report data accurately
- Meet all program responsibilities
- Communicate effectively
- Build collaborative relationships

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. Incumbent must be able to both sit at a desk for extended periods of time, as well as travel. This role routinely uses office equipment with a majority of the time utilizing computers to complete daily tasks. This position requires traveling within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and occasionally within the United States. Candidates are required to have a vehicle and valid driver's license to attend job related duties, meetings, seminars, and trainings.

Physical Demands: (% of time)
Standing: Occasionally (<20%)
Sitting: Frequently (>80%)
Lifting: 0-20lbs. Occasionally (<20%); 20-50 lbs. Occasionally (<20%); Over 50 lbs. Rarely
Travel: Often (30-60%)
Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally (<20%) Manual Keying/Data Entry: Often (30-60%)