About this role
Richland County School District One
Columbia, South Carolina
Parent and Family Engagement Specialist (Strategy Divison)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
200 Days
Salary Range: $31,594.99 - $46,769.99
General Statement of Job
The Parent and Family Engagement Specialist (PFES) coordinates and implements Richland One's Parent and Family Engagement program at assigned schools and programs. The specialist strengthens partnerships among families, schools, district departments, businesses, and community organizations to support student achievement, attendance, and overall success. The position supports two to three schools and/or programs, along with districtwide initiatives. Responsibilities include promoting meaningful family involvement, developing parent leadership opportunities, connecting families with resources, and supporting school improvement efforts.
Essential Functions
- Program Implementation: Lead the implementation of the district's Parent and Family Engagement program at assigned schools and programs, ensuring alignment with district goals, school improvement priorities, and applicable requirements.
- Family Engagement Committees: Establish, lead, and facilitate school Family Engagement Committees to coordinate parent-centered initiatives, identify family needs, encourage participation, and evaluate engagement efforts.
- Parent Leadership and School Improvement: Support School Improvement Councils (SIC), Parent Advisory Councils, and other parent leadership opportunities through outreach, communication, meeting coordination, and access to resources.
- Title I Support: Collaborate with school leadership and Title I Planning Teams to develop, implement, and monitor parent and family engagement components of schoolwide plans, policies, and school-parent compacts.
- Family Outreach and Support: Work with school personnel to identify and engage families of students experiencing academic, attendance, behavioral, or other challenges. Connect families with appropriate school and community resources.
- Family Learning Opportunities: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate workshops, meetings, and activities that equip families to support student learning, development, and educational success.
- Community and Business Partnerships: Establish and maintain partnerships with community agencies, businesses, and organizations to secure resources, services, and support for students and families.
- Communication and Technology: Develop professional newsletters, flyers, presentations, reports, and other communication materials using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, and other district-approved technology. Maintain effective communication with families, staff, and stakeholders.
- District Collaboration: Collaborate with school and district leaders, colleagues, and community partners to implement districtwide family engagement projects, events, and initiatives.
- Program Evaluation and Reporting: Collect and analyze participation data, surveys, and evaluations to assess program effectiveness. Maintain accurate documentation and submit required reports and schedules within established timelines.
- Professional Responsibilities: Participate in required meetings, professional development, and training; maintain confidentiality; manage multiple assignments; and perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience Qualifications
Education and Experience
Requires a Bachelor's degree in the social sciences or education, supplemented by one to two years of work in the human services field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrated commitment to recognizing parents and family members as essential partners and educators of their children.
- Experience or demonstrated ability to assist parents with advocacy, leadership, and family decision-making.
- Experience working with children, families, community agencies, and economically disadvantaged populations.
- Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, listening, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with school personnel, district leaders, families, students, businesses, and community partners.
- Strong organizational, time management, problem-solving, analytical, and basic mathematical skills.
- Ability to manage multiple schools, programs, projects, and deadlines while maintaining accurate records and reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva, including the ability to create newsletters, flyers, presentations, and other professional materials.
- Ability to plan, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, workshops, training sessions, and family engagement activities.
- Ability to establish program goals, monitor progress, analyze results, and recommend improvements.
- Ability and willingness to follow written and verbal directions, work independently and collaboratively, and comply with district policies and procedures.
- Willingness to participate in professional learning to strengthen knowledge and job-related skills.
- Prior supervisory experience is desirable.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Ability to travel among assigned schools, district offices, and community meeting locations using a personal vehicle and submit required monthly mileage reimbursement documentation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment when handling student and family information.