Family Engagement Specialist (Bilingual)
5 days ago
Washington
Job DescriptionSalary: $55,000-$60,000 POSITION: Family Engagement Specialist (Bilingual) REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer $1000.00 dollar sign-on bonus for new hires! Bridges Public Charter Schools Operations Team is focused on creating the conditions by which students can thrive by designing and leading efficient systems; working to remove obstacles to learning and find creative solutions to challenges to enable the highest level of teaching and learning; and providing best-in-class customer service to families and staff members to ensure they feel welcomed, cared for and a valued member of our community. The Family Engagement Specialist is a school-based position that ensures students and families are positioned to engage in learning daily. The Family Engagement Specialist will play a major part in building relationships with our families while setting the tone for exceptional customer service. The role requires the person to be bilingual; English & Spanish. This is a full-time, 40 hours a week, 11-month position. Bridges' mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, to build a foundation for life-long learning. Key Responsibilities Attendance Management: • Orients families to attendance expectations for new and existing families, • Makes daily attendance calls to families and documents all attendance changes, • Captures and shares any key information or context shared during calls with families, • Participates in the weekly attendance check-in meetings with school leadership, with increasing responsibilities over time, • Implement and lead parent involvement programs, ensuring engagement from families, • Point-of-Contact for Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), • Work directly with PTO to coordinate school-wide events, • Ensures all parent-facing materials are readily available, • Schedules parent meetings with appropriate team members, • Build relationships with community partners to build brand awareness, cultural celebrations that build trust and community., • Organize family forums, volunteer opportunities, and input sessions to keep families informed and engaged in the life of the school., • Gather and analyze family feedback and engagement data to evaluate the effectiveness of events, outreach, and partnerships., • Adjust strategies based on data, trends, and family input to continuously improve outreach and engagement practices., • Support families through the re-enrollment process, • Complete application verification calls and update the application system as needed, • Assist with the planning of school events and activities related to enrollment, • Partners with other schools to support families through school transitions Skills & Competencies • Relationship-Building & Relational Trust: Proven ability to build and maintain authentic, trust-based relationships with families, grounded in respect, empathy, and two-way communication., • Culturally Responsive & Equity-Centered Engagement: Deep understanding of and respect for the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of families. Uses inclusive strategies to ensure all families feel seen, valued, and empowered., • Strength-Based Communication: Communicates with families in ways that affirm their role as essential partners in student learning; recognizes and builds on the assets and contributions of every family., • Listening & Responsiveness: Actively listens to family feedback and needs and works collaboratively to connect families with appropriate supports and school-based solutions., • Shared Responsibility & Partnership Orientation: Approaches family engagement as a shared responsibility between school and home, and helps families navigate school systems and contribute meaningfully to their childs education., • Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities, coordinate events and volunteers, and maintain accurate records and systems., • Team Collaboration: Able to work across school teams and departments and coordinate efforts with community-based organizations to support student and family success. Qualifications • A bachelor's degree, or 5 years of experience in family engagement, school-based outreach, community organizing, or similar work., • Deep commitment to equity, cultural competence, and partnering with diverse staff and families., • Experience planning community-centered events and leading engagement initiatives., • Ability to develop strong partnerships with community-based organizations and internal teams., • Excellent communication, organization, writing, and public speaking skills., • Bilingual; English & Spanish required Compensation & Benefits: Salary range is $55,000 - $60,000. Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be contracted yearly. Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks, and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401 (k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan. To ensure safety for all students, all staff members will be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees. Bridges is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants without unlawful consideration of race, religion, age, color, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.