Position Type: Civil Service/District Family Advocate (Spanish Speaking)Date Posted: 1/8/2024Location: Poughkeepsie City School DistrictDate Available: 01/08/2024Closing Date: Open Until FilledBOARD OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES 18 SOUTH PERRY STREET POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK 12601 RECRUITMENT BULLETIN #: 23-24-152 • DISTRICT FAMILY ADVOCATE - SPANISH SPEAKING • JANUARY 2024 • POUGHKEEPSIE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE OF POSITION POSITION: The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, is interested in receiving applications from qualified candidates for the position of: DISTRICT FAMILY ADVOCATE - SPANISH SPEAKING (for COMMUNITY SCHOOLS) POUGHKEEPSIE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and: EITHER:
- Graduation from a regionally accredited of New York State registered college or university with a Master's degree in Education or Social Work; or
- Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor's degree and two years of responsible experience in a school district of community organization that involved extensive contact with parents and students or two years of leadership in a parent teacher organization; which included working with families and parents on community and/or education-related issues; or
- An equivalent combination of training and experience within the confines of (a) and (b) above.
DUTIES: The Poughkeepsie City School District (PCSD) is committed to providing students and parents with pathways to opportunity that will lead to achievement and success. Through student-centered effective and transformational leadership, school and community engagement, and an unrelenting pursuit to achieve greater school outcomes for children, the Poughkeepsie City Schools is focused on developing and growing greater access, equity, opportunity, and quality across PCSD. This position has the responsibility for engaging parents in the special education process and providing support to parent leaders and Principals to increase parental involvement in school buildings. The District Family Advocate (Spanish Speaking) will give voice to the concerns of families and parent leaders at the District Office, assist Principals in creating active parent teacher organizations in school buildings and facilitate more effective school/home communication between teachers and parents. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Community Schools, this position will identify and respond to families' concerns and work with schools, staff, and other agencies to ensure that each concern is addressed in a timely manner. Work is performed under supervision of the Executive Director for Students with Exceptionalities. Supervision of others is not a typical requirement of this position. Some evening hours and travel to offsite locations and student homes are required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES The following is indicative of the level and types of activities performed by positions in this title. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not preclude a supervisor from assigning activities not listed which could be reasonably expected to be performed by an employee in this title.
Provides support to Spanish-speaking families during the school enrollment process, as assigned by the Executive Director for Students with Exceptionalities; Lead support efforts and programs for families; Collaborates with families, teachers, parent organizations, community-based partners, and others to engage families in effective Special Education programming for their eligible children; Coordinates training, meeting logistics and communication needs with school district administration; Serves as a problem-solver and facilitator for families and parent concerns regarding Special Education, accessibility, and communication with District providers; May visit individual schools on a regular basis to provide support and guidance to parents or school staff, as assigned; Develops and maintains up-to-date contact and residency information for families of students receiving Special Education services out of District; Assists in gathering parent engagement survey information; Prepares and distributes report to District parent leadership on residency concerns for students placed out of District; Develops an awareness of specific concerns and needs of the Spanish-speaking population in the school district and addresses these concerns. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Fluency in written and spoken Spanish (the ability to read, write, and speak Spanish and English) with the ability to translate, as necessary. Good knowledge of the organizational structure, goals and objectives of the school district, as well as specific programs and operations. Good knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, regulations and procedures governing the operation of the school district, and of specific programs. Working knowledge of community organizations and available family resources. Skill in collecting, assembling, and analyzing facts to recommend solutions to problems; skill in organizing and presenting facts and information verbally and in writing. Ability to establish effective working relationships with school district personnel, families, and students. Ability to use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, email and database software. Ability to work under pressure and meet frequent and changing deadlines. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing. Ability to work, read, write and converse in Spanish and English. Ability to clearly articulate student-specific information by engaging parents in the educational process. Personal characteristics necessary to perform the duties of the position. Physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position, including but not limited to the ability to travel offsite, climb stairs, carry materials between locations, and manage stairs on home visits. APPOINTMENT: Appointment will be made by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following assessment of training, experience, certifications, credentials and evaluation of service. Personal interviews shall be scheduled where appropriate. *This position will be appointed provisionally. You will be required to pass a Civil Service exam in order to receive a permanent appointment. EFFECTIVE DATE: As soon as possible after an offer of employment SALARY: $60,000 TO APPLY: Please visit to fill out an online application.The Poughkeepsie City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability, age, or marital status; nor does it apply any other arbitrary measure which would tend to deprive persons of their constitutional rights.