Mckinney-Vento Student Success Advocate - 1.0 Fte - Funded Programs

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for PPS job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process.

This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice. To learn more about Portland Public Schools, please visit the District website.

Portland Public Schools is looking for a dynamic Student Success Advocate (SSA) with a passion for serving our most vulnerable students experiencing homelessness in Portland and the greater surrounding communities. The SSA serves as one of the primary contacts between homeless families, school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, and other service providers. Under McKinney-Vento (MV), the person hired for this position must have the skills and capacity to ensure that homeless children and youth receive the protections and services necessary to succeed in school. Under the general supervision of the Director of Funded Programs, the SSA will evaluate and determine the eligibility of students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act. The SSA will participate in the design, development and implementation of the program. The SSA will provide supplemental support to a variety of community and district programs designed to enhance and improve the academic, social and/or emotional conditions of identified MV PK – 12 grade students. The SSA will collaborate with parents, caregivers, community agencies, school, district staff and stakeholders to identify, track and monitor students in the program as well as prepare and present a variety of program related documents and reports.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

• Create, maintain and distribute a variety of records, reports, lists and files including confidential materials.
• Participate in the development, implementation and monitoring of programs, standards, objectives and goals for assigned students and programs; collaborate with district and school staff to monitor progress and effectiveness of assigned activities; recommend and implement improvement strategies as appropriate; communicate, progress and concerns with designated district staff, social services providers, parents, families and caregivers, as appropriate.
• Participate in and dialogue with students, parents, caregivers, school administration, student support team members and other stakeholders to motivate program participants to develop skills and attitudes that support student success; implement plans that meet identified needs and objectives
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Establish rapport; mentor, guide and monitor students, teams and program designees to facilitate effective programs and processes.
• Gather and review a wide variety of records, reports and related materials to assist in determining appropriateness and eligibility for designated programs; gather information and prepare for, monitor and follow-up on process dialogues, agreements and outcomes.
• Participate in training/professional development, in-services, workshops and meetings related to assigned activities; serve on a variety of district and community committees as assigned.
• Partner with community stakeholders and businesses to help create leadership opportunities, community service, educational projects, personal growth and similar experiences for students.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Collaborate with district staff, social services and other public agencies on student issues; facilitate or coordinate internal and external agency opportunities to improve the academic, social and/or emotional needs of assigned students and programs as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints regarding McKinney-Vento compliance issues.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS:

Incumbents in this classification provide a wide variety of academic, social and/or emotional support services and guidance to district students and families. Employees in this classification are strong advocates for students and work with the district and community stakeholders to realize and promote progress and opportunities for life both in the schools and beyond the classroom.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities within and surrounding the PPS boundaries. Oral and written communication techniques.
• Research design methods and assessment techniques.
• Report writing and record keeping methods.
• One-on-one and group facilitation techniques.
• Crisis management and intervention theories and techniques.
• Conflict resolution techniques.
• Child and adolescent psychology and behaviors.
• Computer and software technologies.

Ability to:

• Monitor and report on individual and group student plans and progress.
• Work collaboratively with a multitude of stakeholders, including parents, caregivers, students, district staff and community partners.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to affect positive outcomes.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Assure efficient and timely completion of office and program projects and activities.
• Participate in department, school, district and community meetings.
• Work with situations and people in crisis and de-escalate conflict.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate discretion, initiative and good judgment.
• Operate a variety of office machines, technologies and software.
• Deliver a high-level of customer service to district students and stakeholders.
• Stay current on practices and trends in K-12 public education, McKinney Vento Guidelines and Oregon school district compliance.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with K-12 students from diverse backgrounds. Build rapport, mentor and guide children and adolescents.
• Read, interpret, communicate and implement a variety of complex laws, guidelines, initiatives and policies.
• Advocate, model, learn and implement Portland Public School’s Racial Equity Initiative. Research, compile and verify data and prepare reports.
• Meet the academic, social and emotional needs of historically underserved youth.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work or related field is required.

Experience:

• Two years working with children and/or adolescents to affect positive academic, social and/or emotional life skills behaviors is required. Experience serving the needs of a richly diverse student and community population is highly desirable.
• Additional years of the required experience which demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities may be considered in lieu of the Bachelor’s Degree on a year-for-year basis.

Any other combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the candidate is likely to possess the skill, knowledge, ability and trait characteristics essential for this classification may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual Spanish preferred

Special Requirements:

• This position may require the ability to read, write and speak in a language other than English.
• This position requires the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires variable work hours including evenings and weekends.

CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY:

This position is classified as a Student Success Advocate, pay grade 18, on the Non-Represented Confidential, Professional and Management Employees salary schedule FSLA Non-Exempt.

The 202 day work year salary schedule can be found here.

For more details, the complete Classification Specification can be viewed here.

SALARY RANGE: $48,310 - $57,684

FTE: 1.0 (40 hours/week)

WORK YEAR: 202 days

Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635