Student Services Department
Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services
Employment Status: Part-Time (0.5 FTE: 20 hours/week), Grant-Funded Position
Funding Source: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Sub-Grant
Term of Employment: 3 years, contingent upon grant funding
Description
The McKinney-Vento Liaison serves as the district''s primary coordinator for identifying, enrolling, supporting, and advocating for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This position ensures compliance with federal McKinney-Vento requirements while coordinating services that promote school stability, attendance, academic success, and access to educational opportunities.
The Liaison works collaboratively with schools, families, community agencies, transportation services, social services, shelters, and other stakeholders to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and student success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Coordination and Compliance
- Serve as the district''s designated McKinney-Vento Liaison Assistant.
- Ensure compliance with all federal and state requirements related to the education of homeless children and youth.
- Develop and implement procedures to improve identification of homeless students throughout the district.
- Coordinate the district''s annual McKinney-Vento Needs Assessment and use results to inform program improvements.
- Maintain accurate records, data collection, documentation, and end-of-year reporting required for grant compliance and monitoring.
- Facilitate school selection, school-of-origin determinations, and dispute resolution processes.
Student Identification and Enrollment
- Coordinate districtwide efforts to identify students experiencing homelessness.
- Assess students'' and families'' eligibility for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
- Coordinate enrollment and intake procedures for eligible students and families.
- Ensure immediate enrollment of eligible students regardless of missing documentation.
- Assist schools and families in obtaining educational, health, and enrollment records.
- Guide school personnel regarding eligibility determinations and student rights.
Case Management and Student Support
- Provide direct case management services to students and families experiencing homelessness.
- Conduct needs assessments and coordinate individualized support plans.
- Coordinate services through ongoing collaboration with students, families, school staff, and community agencies.
- Monitor student attendance, academic progress, mobility, and engagement.
- Coordinate interventions to address barriers to attendance, enrollment, and academic success.
- Support unaccompanied homeless youth and ensure access to educational opportunities and community resources.
Attendance and School Stability
- Monitor attendance data and identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism.
- Coordinate attendance interventions and support plans.
- Collaborate with school personnel and families to improve attendance and educational outcomes.
- Promote school stability through transportation coordination and problem-solving efforts.
Transportation Coordination
- Coordinate transportation services for homeless students attending their school of origin.
- Collaborate with district transportation personnel and neighboring school districts regarding transportation responsibilities.
- Monitor transportation needs and ensure timely service delivery.
Community Partnerships and Resource Development
- Develop and maintain partnerships with social service agencies, shelters, housing organizations, juvenile justice agencies, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations.
- Coordinate referrals and access to community resources.
- Facilitate interagency collaboration to address student and family needs.
- Maintain a directory of community resources and support services.
- Plan and coordinate community awareness and networking events, such as Back-to-School workshops, agency meet-and-greet events, and other outreach activities designed to increase awareness of McKinney-Vento services.
Training, Outreach, and Professional Development
- Develop resources and guidance related to McKinney-Vento requirements and best practices.
- Ensure McKinney-Vento Rights and Resource materials are distributed and prominently displayed at schools and other required locations.
- Promote awareness of the educational rights of homeless children and youth among school personnel, families, and community partners.
- Support implementation of district procedures related to homeless education.
Student Assistance and Resource Coordination
- Coordinate access to school supplies, clothing, hygiene items, academic supports, and other resources for eligible students.
- Assist with securing emergency supports when needed.
- Collaborate with schools and community partners to address non-academic barriers impacting student success.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and related regulations.
- Knowledge of student support services, attendance interventions, and educational systems.
- Ability to work effectively with children, families, and community partners experiencing crisis and housing instability.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
- Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
- Ability to work independently while coordinating services across multiple schools and agencies.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate''s degree from an accredited college or university required; bachelor''s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with children, youth, families, schools, or community agencies.
- Valid North Carolina driver''s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to travel throughout the district and attend meetings at multiple locations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor''s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Human Services, Public Administration, Psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with homeless children and families.
- Experience in school social work, school counseling, student services, attendance support, or case management.
- Experience coordinating community partnerships and resource networks.
- Knowledge of federal education programs and grant compliance requirements.
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel between schools, homes, community agencies, and meetings.
- Occasional evening or weekend activities.
- Regular interaction with families experiencing crisis, housing instability, and other challenges.
- Work requires flexibility, independent decision-making, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.