The Montclair school district is advertising for a new position – a community, parent and student engagement coordinator – intended to support students and families as they enter and move through the district.
“We’re looking for someone who deeply understands school communities and works well with administrators to help families and students get the services and opportunities available to them,” said David Cantor, the district’s executive director of communications and community engagement.
The grant-funded, part-time position is set for a 10-month period, to begin Sept. 1. The position will be renewed after the 2023-24 school year, Cantor said. The salary will be established by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of district administrators, the job listing says.
Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education or a related field and a minimum of three years’ experience in providing services to children or families, or any combination of education and experience that would provide the requisite knowledge, skills and ability, the listing says.
“Our idea is a staff member dedicated to ensuring social and academic supports are in place for individual students as they transition into pre-K and through the grades, as well as when they or their families face obstacles,” Cantor said.
Performance responsibilities for the coordinator include:
- Serves as a liaison between student, home, school and community resources, like family services agencies.
- Coordinates communication and activities in the school among the school administrators, teachers, parents and community.
- Evaluates the needs of families and assists parents/families in obtaining services within the school district and the community.
- Confers regularly with the administrative team to plan for smooth transitions for children across all grade levels.
- Works with professional personnel, students and parents to help students be successful in school by making available information to increase the understanding of specific elements that may be attributed to problems related to emotional, physical, academic and economic areas.
- Supports and works with school social workers, school counselors and community agencies that can contribute resources to assist families as needed.
- Plans and provides activities related to parent involvement that would enhance the school’s climate.
- Provides support to the administration in conducting orderly and efficient meetings, including organization meetings, parent meetings and/or fundraising events.
- Serves on the district’s Early Childhood Advisory Council to review preschool program implementation and support transition as children move from preschool through grade three.
- Protects confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and uses discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
- Maintains proper documentation and follow-up on district related assignments.
- Performs other appropriate duties as required under law or that may be assigned by the principal and/or his/her designee.
The coordinator will report to schools Superintendent Jonathan Ponds or a designee, the listing says. Performance in the position will be evaluated annually.
To view the full job listing or apply for the position, visit the district’s hiring platform.