Student Engagement Specialist

Student Engagement Specialist

Zero Dropouts (ZD) takes an innovative, non-traditional approach to learning and development of young adults grounded in the belief that all students have the ability to be successful in education and life. We are an educational social enterprise that partners WITH youth and communities in pursuit of equitable opportunities for all. We distinguish ourselves by being data and research oriented, goal focused, relationship based, and willing to dive into difficult areas to achieve exemplary results and redefine success. Each Zero Dropouts program/service is designed to influence three key metrics for districts and schools: increasing on-time graduation rates, decreasing annual dropout rates, and increasing post-secondary enrollment rates.

ZD is seeking a passionate and dedicated Student Engagement Specialist to build supportive relationships with students in Greeley-Evans District 6, focusing on both current students struggling to stay connected and those that have dropped out. The Specialist will work directly with students, counselors, teachers, support, and administrative staff at three comprehensive high schools in Greeley, along with Jefferson High School, the GAP Program, and Next District 6 to support students.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

The primary role of the Student Engagement Specialist is to reengage students in their educational journey, whether it involves reenrolling in high school, exploring alternative placement options within the district, or pursuing a General Education Development (GED) credential. Areas of focus include:

• Case Management
• Data Analysis, Management, and Reporting
• Collaboration
• Program Development

Case Management

• Serve as a trusted partner with District 6 high schools to identify students who may need additional outreach and support in order to engage / reengage in school.
• Identify and connect with high school students who are at-risk of disengagement or have already dropped out using current data and relationships built with district partners.
• Meet students outside of school, via home visits or neutral community location, to provide them with information on the different school options within the Greeley 6 District and help them enroll if they decide to go to a new school.
• Build positive relationships with students, gaining their trust, understanding of their unique needs, and identifying barriers youth have related to engaging or returning to school.
• Match students with wrap around support services to ensure their success.
• Meet with the students and their support network, including parents and community-based organization staff members, to help not only define a path for students, but offer wrap around support services.
• Assist youth through the school enrollment process including walking them through paperwork as well as helping them obtain any necessary documents such as birth certificates and transcripts.
• Provide a warm handoff of students to new school staff when a student enrolls in a new school.
• Facilitate regular follow-up with students and families that aren’t quite ready to reengage in school, serving as a trusted advisor when the time is right.
• Support students in developing and following personalized reengagement plans, addressing academic deficiencies, emotional well-being, and barriers to reengagement.

Data Analysis, Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, attendance, and engagement.
• Track student progress in ZD spreadsheets and District 6 databases regarding: reaching out to students, case notes, and progress in helping students return to school
• Create periodic reports for leadership within the school district and ZD, sharing this information at relevant community and school meetings.

Collaboration

• Coordinate with local nonprofit and community organizations, churches, governmental agencies, and businesses to surface additional community supports available to assist in student success
• Attend meetings as necessary to coordinate services with Greeley 6 high school staff, including attendance meetings at the high schools and truancy meetings with the courts
• Develop district and community partnerships through participation in community events to support district engagement, program improvements (wrap around supports), and student recruitment, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective communication between students, families, school / district staff, and ZD teams.
• Advocate for students within the district, ensuring their needs are communicated and addressed appropriately.

Program Development

• Attends ZD virtual and in-person staff meetings, assisting with the general development of the organization, speaking on behalf of the organization when appropriate, attending relevant community and school meetings, along with other duties as assigned.
• Works with the ZD network to share best practices and provide support to each of the programs
• Pursues professional growth through various opportunities either offered by ZD or other external sources.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor and/ or in accordance with the school/division policies and practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two or more years of college and/or two years of experience working with adolescents from diverse backgrounds, their families and support networks.
• Strong, assertive, sales-type skills with the ability to initiate conversations about school by either cold calling or directly approaching students in-person
• Ability to work independently and remain organized in multiple settings, while simultaneously keeping track of the results achieved for each youth
• Computer skills in Google and Microsoft applications
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to "change gears" and work collaboratively with internal staff and external partners including Administrators and counselors at local high schools.
• Advocacy skills that encourage and promote education, along with staying and returning to school as the best options for youth
• Ability to find and stay informed about beneficial resources for youth throughout the Greeley area
• Demonstrated appreciation of clear and appropriate boundaries with youth
• Passionate and committed belief that youth can rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles and return to school, graduate, and enter post-secondary education.
• Dependable transportation and ability to meet students / families where they are.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in Spanish & English
• Knowledge of community and governmental groups that support at-risk youth, especially in the Greeley area.
• Knowledge Greeley-Evans District 6 high schools and Infinite Campus student information system

WORK SCHEDULE - This is a full-time position with demanding goals, which sometimes requires longer hours and flexible scheduling. The schedule for this position follows the Greeley-Evans District 6 calendar including paid holidays and breaks, excluding summer break. The typical schedule is 8 hours Monday through Friday. This position is projected to start as soon as possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS - This is a non-exempt position with an hourly range of $20.50 to $23.50 commensurate with qualifications, knowledge, and relevant experience. Employees are eligible for company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match, Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage, Paid Time Off (Sick Time, Holidays, Flexible Vacation). This position is not PERA eligible.

HOW TO APPLY - Visit the ZD website (www.zerodropouts.com/apply-with-zd) to complete the online application. Once you have completed the online application, please send your cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references to HR@zerodropouts.com

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.50 - $23.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office
• Public school
• School

Work Location: In person