Position Summary

The Community School Specialist (CSS) is responsible for the implementation of the community school model at our four school sites and for the implementation and reporting of the Community Schools Grant. The work of the CSS ultimately furthers the community school strategic plan to improve academic outcomes by transforming schools and removing barriers to learning for all students in furtherance of the LCAP and Community School Program goals.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The CSS must be adept at navigating agency processes while maintaining an empathetic and supportive relationship with families and students. They must be organized and self-driven, as they will monitor and implement the Community Schools Partnership Grant, maintain records and submit all reports and mandates to the district and local, state and federal agencies.  The CSS must be able to work effectively with underrepresented students and parents, including low-income, special needs, foster youth and individuals experiencing homelessness.  They must embody cultural sensitivity and have a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, equity and social justice.

Supervision Received and Exercised

The CSS will work under the supervision of the Site Administrator(s).  They may be asked to supervise interns and Wellness Coaches under the umbrella of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI).

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor ongoing needs and assets and work with the school’s leadership team (a broad range of school staff, families, administrators and community partners) to develop and implement a strategic plan based upon survey findings and input from educational partners.
• Collaborate with site administrators to provide targeted support coaching to teachers to facilitate their success in planning, teaching, assessing and modifying instruction to meet students’ needs.
• Participate in CCS’s School-based Medi-Cal billing and documentation pertaining to implementation of the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative.
• Develop and further the wisest use of community resources to create optimal impact by enhancing community and individual assets, meeting critical needs and promoting long-term collective solutions.
• Coordinate needs and resource assessment activities on an ongoing basis, employing a variety of strategies and including a broad cross-section of educational partners.
• Build high-functioning problem-solving teams for identified needs.
• Coordinate programming during and beyond the school day for students, families and the community.
• Assist with designing and managing volunteer and internship systems within the school.
• Coordinate parent and community engagement initiatives, with a specific focus on engaging disenfranchised families, including low income and marginalized groups.
• Advise the principal on how to integrate diverse community partners, parents, etc. into school governance structures.
• Lead Student Study Teams (SST) to assess, coordinate and prescribe interventions for students and families in crisis.
• Consult with the service providers on a regular basis concerning service goals, service integration, physical and mental health services and student progress.
• Collect and utilize data relevant to interventions, identify and implement Evidence Based Practices and serve as a member of the SST.
• Communicate and build relationships to facilitate the implementation of services that support the social-emotional, mental health, curricular and academic needs of students, families and the community.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• California Department of Education Frameworks governing work scope, such as Common Core Standards, Content Standards, Curriculum, Response to Intervention and Full-Service Community Schools;
• Curriculum design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation;
• The utilization of various forms of assessment to guide and design instruction;
• Effective pedagogy for ethnic populations, English and Multilingual Learners;
• Principles and practices of engaging, rigorous and stimulating professional development activities.

Ability to:

• Motivate, challenge and guide others in the improvement of educational programs and Humboldt County Office of Education services;
• Communicate with students, parents, community representatives, district personnel and other community partners, both individually and as a group;
• Compose and comprehend written communications;
• Flex communication style to multiple cultural environments;
• Make formal, public presentations;
• Utilize computer technologies, including but not limited to, electronic medical recording systems, email, word processing, spreadsheets, power point and educational applications;
• Determine work assignments of staff and supervise activities;
• Work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability and socioeconomic groups while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination;
• Demonstrate appropriate poise, tact and sound judgment while coping with a high volume of work and multiple tasks;
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules;
• Build trust and effective working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Collect, interpret and analyze data from a variety of sources, evaluate that data and make recommendations based on evaluation.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:

• PPSC with specialization in Social Work or School Psychology.
• Three (3) years of experience working with high-risk families and with multi-disciplinary teams focused on youth and family wellness (ex: School Attendance Review Board, DHHS Child Family Team Meetings, IEP meetings).

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working within a community school framework to support identified needs as indicated by the Local Control and Accountability Plan, California Dashboard and other state indicators, such as Differentiated Assistance and Comprehensive Support and Improvement.
• Particular expertise in grant writing, supervising and/or reporting.

Working Conditions

This position will be assigned to an office setting at a district school site.  Travel between sites in a county vehicle will be necessary.  After-hours work will be required from time to time as dictated by student/family needs or community building events.

Environmental Elements

The employee will be expected to work closely with other County offices, District personnel, students, families, other professionals, outside agencies and private partners, in person, via email and on the telephone. Employees may be assigned to school settings where multiple children, school staff and families are present.  Employees may be required to walk, stand, or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear.
• Frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities such as, but not limited to, using a keyboard.
• Occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• Regularly required to drive long distances to remote areas of the county.
• May be required to lift and move equipment up to 25 lbs.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Certificated Mgmt, Class 1 – 194 days

06/2024