The Part-Time Community School Family Engagement Specialist would serve as a supporter, a leader, and an example to other families; and exercise a strong parent voice in the school community. This would involve identifying a parent, caregiver or other relative of a Propel scholar who would serve in this peer leadership role. His/her main role would be to help Propel increase parent involvement - in their school and ultimately, in their children's academics. Our experience shows that participation in school activities can eventually guide a parent to deeper interest in, and action regarding, their student's education.

The Specialist's efforts to increase parent involvement and utilization of available supports at Propel would focus on these five activities:

1. Increasing family participation in school-related activities-the Specialist will promote parent involvement in everything from Propel's Celebrations of Learning to Parent/Teacher Conferences to Literacy Nights to helping their students with homework. The Specialist will do this through phone calls, potential visits and other means. A focus will be placed on parents who typically aren't present or involved in school life. Outreach will also include creative avenues, such as having the Specialist "work the car line" at arrival or dismissal times - any opportunity to meet other parents/caregivers will help grow this peer relationship.
2. Working to break the stigma families fear regarding using Propel's school-based mental health services - the Specialist would connect with PPIW school mental health staff to brainstorm on ways this parent can encourage other families to use the crucial program. For example, the Specialist might be at the PPIW table at a Family Night to share his/her experiences (if applicable), or provide a peer explanation of the importance of mental health services.
3. Enhancing implementation of the Collaborative Leadership Pillar at each Propel school. The Specialist can identify new and meaningful ways that parent representatives can be utilized at Propel, and strategize on how to implement such new parent roles.
4. Peer volunteer recruitment - this could increase the overall school volunteer base; or assist with concrete needs (mini-pantry help, etc.).
5. Assisting in planning family events -- this might include contributing to agenda development for the School Community Council meetings that parents attend; or working with educators to plan a School Math Night for families.

The Specialist and his/her respective Site Coordinator may establish other priority activities. The CS Manager will analyze any trends in this area among the three CS sites (Northside, Hazelwood, and Homestead).

Examples of other planned expansion activities include:

• Addressing the growing food and clothing insecurity of Propel families through increasing our inventory of concrete needs (food for newest school mini-pantry; uniform items and winter coats across all schools
• Increasing wellness knowledge and activity through workshops at the Community School sites (such as stress reduction for parents, yoga for children, etc.).

Qualifications & Skills:

• Current Parent within Propel Schools (Preferably from Homestead School).
• High School Diploma or GED
• 1 or more years experience working with educational, non-profit or other organizations with comparable responsibilities to this role preferred
• Self-motivated with a desire to do good work and improve current conditions and life outcomes for Propel students, their families and the community
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Comfortable working, walking, talking and generally interacting with parents, school staff, residents, business leaders, politicians and community partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft products including Word and Excel Preferred

Requirements (*must be within 12 months of start date):

• TB Test* (Will be Reimbursed)
• Act 34 Criminal Clearance* (Will be reimbursed for this clearance)
• Act 114 FBI Clearance* Will be reimbursed for this clearance)
• Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance* Will be reimbursed for this clearance)
• Mandated Reporter Training
• Act 168 Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure
• Act 24 Arrest and Conviction Disclosure

Salary: $15 an hour

This position is part time for the remainder of the school year and will not exceed a total of 185 hours.