Position and pay rate starting August 2022

Job Title: Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist

Reports to: Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 10 month/ Exempt/200 Duty Days

Position Purpose: The Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist works collaboratively with students, families and schools to provide needed assistance to identify literacy concerns and create plans to ensure students are successful. The ideal candidate will plan events and develop partnerships involving parents, schools, and the community to promote literacy at the Omaha Public Schools. In addition, the Parent Literacy Engagement Specialist will work with community agencies that support the mission and vision of the Omaha Public Schools.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Promote effective communication and understanding among schools and the community about the importance of family/community engagement and student achievement regarding literacy.
• Supports the district's educational beliefs in balanced literacy.
• Serve as a resource person for school and other district staff; respond to questions and provide referrals to available sources of information relating Omaha Public Schools goals and strategic plan towards Literacy for all students.
• Communicate concerns and needs of families to district personnel as appropriate.
• Resolve Parent and Community Referrals regarding student Literacy.
• Facilitate mediations between school personnel and stakeholders.
• Builds a non-evaluative, learning relationship between themselves and parents with the goal of learning together, improving instruction and student achievement.
• Builds positive relationships with all parents.
• Serve as a liaison to community groups to provide information about Omaha Public Schools, its students and families and how Omaha Public Schools work collaboratively with wrap around services.
• Uses available resources to reach out to parents and the community to build relationships and sustain school involvement.
• Encourage participation in school activities and form partnerships with the school district regarding literacy.
• Coordinate activities for families and community engagement; identify and schedule speakers, transportation and any necessary equipment; order food or other supplies; participate i n events as appropriate.
• Work cooperatively with diverse district staff, families and community groups to identify, develop and promote district programs about literacy.
• Maintain accurate records and/or documentation which may include: Assessments, observations, and the Omaha Public Schools required forms
• Participates in ongoing professional development and technical assistance to increase teamwork and collaboration.
• Contribute to the district's inclusive workplace efforts by fostering a safe, welcoming and respectful environment.
• Maintains a positive, courteous, and professional manner at all times.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Travel within the District will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in an office environment, school buildings, and community settings.
• Ability to life, move and reposition objects and materials- frequently exerting force equal to lifting fifty (50) pounds.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.
• Ability to work flexible hours to serve students and family needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in education, public relations, social work or a related field, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years' experience working directly with schools, families and/or communities.
• Experience organizing and conducting staff training.
• Experience facilitating community forums/discussions.
• Knowledge of effective school-family-community partnerships.
• Knowledge of community resources available in the entire Omaha
• Computer skills, including the ability to use Word-processing and database software
• Excellent communication skills - listening, oral and written.
• Ability to interact effectively with persons representing diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must have access to a reliable means of transportation in order to visit school and community sites.
• May perform other related duties as assigned by supervisory personnel.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining "Highly Qualified status," etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.