Job Description:
TITLE:  Family and Community Engagement Specialist
LOCATION: Elementary Schools
 The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy, the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings. 
With Head Start/preschools, 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 college and career academies/high schools, we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 51% Hispanic, 27% African American, 11% White, and 7% Asian. To serve our students, the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,600 teachers. 
 
JOB GOAL:            
Specialists will work closely with family members and community organizations and resources to build a partnership that supports and engages them in the educational process for all students.
 
Family and Community Engagement Specialist (FACES) supports systemic engagement initiatives as determined by the Director of Family and Community Engagement while receiving on site supervision, and time/leave record/management from each Principal of the assigned one (1), two (2) or three (3) schools. The FACE specialist serves as a liaison that educates administrators, teachers and staff on how to communicate and work effectively and share power with parents as equal partners. The FACE specialist also advises and educates parents through specific research-based engagement strategies on 1) how to navigate the educational system; 2) building parent capacity so they can become better advocates for their children’s education; 3) how to access referrals to community-based services for families; 4) how to expand opportunities for continued learning, voluntary community service and civic participation; and 5) how to develop community collaborations. The FACE specialist's responsibilities require periodic participation and coordination of evening and weekend systemic activities within the school year.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily for systemic initiatives and for one (1), two (2) or three (3) school communities.

• Supports systemic initiatives as directed by the Director of Family and Community Engagement 
• Collaborate with FACE teams aligned by high school clusters to implement a Community Hub model, building out services and resources that address the unique needs of students and families, strengthen family engagement, and expand access to essential supports across KCKPs
• Attend professional development and Professional Learning Community meetings as directed by the Family and Community Engagement leadership team
• Assists principal in establishing effective outreach and engagement programs and school-led workshops for parents to engage parents/families in improving student achievement while creating opportunities for parents who have limited English proficiency, a disability and/or are otherwise underrepresented to participate in education initiatives and enrichment workshops 
• Collaborates with parents, staff, and the school's leadership team to develop a family-friendly school climate
• Empowers and encourages families to make use of all identified resources as it relates to school and student wellness and academic success
• Promotes parents as leaders in facilitating the development and maintenance of an effective parent leadership organization such as PTA/PTSA/PTO, etc. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A minimum of 60 hours college experience
• Experience working with students and staff in an urban school setting
• Ability to work effectively with students, staff and parents from diverse background
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills
• In-depth knowledge of the community, community-based agencies, community organizations and resources
• Ability to plan, organize and complete activities and/or programs
• Able to work  some evenings, after hours and weekends as needed