Family/Community Engagement Specialist for Special Education at Reading School District in Reading, PA

Job description

Position Title : Family and Community Engagement Specialist for Special Education Classification : RSSSA, Full-Time, 12-month (260 days) Range 6 (215) Reports To : Director of Special Education Position Goal : The Family and Community Engagement Specialist for Special Education educates parents about all the systems within the school district that are available to support their children. The FCES uses their expertise in the different levels of education (elementary, middle, and high school, as well as post-secondary pathways) to guide, inform, and support parents with the role that they play in their children's education at each level. The FCES will support Students with Disabilities Families by educating them on their rights and responsibilities as parents and will serve to unite families and the schools. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : Other duties may be assigned. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following fundamental duties: Creates a welcoming and culturally responsive atmosphere for parents and families district-wide as well as within the Special Education Department. Takes initiative to collaborate with Reading School District staff and families to develop a vision and plan for the family engagement program and to implement steps that will create a robust and supportive program for Special Education Families. Facilitates year-round, family and community engagement activities on behalf of the Reading School District's Special Education Program, including, but not limited to: Needs assessments and surveys Classes and workshops Community engagement events Parent Resource Center / Parent Orientations Recruitment of parents for district activities and volunteer opportunities Helps to provide a smooth transition of new families into the Reading School District and the local community. Provides guidance to parents and their children on the Evaluation, IEP, and instructional services of the Reading School District Special Education Program. Hosts day, evening, and some weekend family and community events. Pursues knowledge about the elementary, middle, and high school programs of the Reading School District to gain expertise that can be shared with families. Informs parents of their rights, responsibilities, and the multiple ways in which they can become involved in the education of their children, not only in Special Education, but in all school programs, services, and activities. Reaches out to the community to assist the district in gathering input from the parents of students with disabilities when it considers improvements not only to special education programs but to other school programs. Keeps and updates files regarding children and parents participating in the program events for federal reporting purposes. Collaborates with the Family Engagement Department on districtwide family engagement activities. Provides professional development for school personnel on effective strategies for assisting students with disabilities families and how to create culturally responsive and parent-friendly schools. Attends professional development sessions, as appropriate. Uses skills necessary to build strong relationships with parents and the community. Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee. This job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and management may revise it at any time. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE : Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in education, social work, and/or any other human services-related field. A minimum of two years' experience in activitie