Family & Community Liaison

Volunteers of America, Dakotas; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America, Dakotas is seeking a Family & Community Liaison in Sioux Falls. This full-time role involves direct support to school-aged students, facilitating engagement with families and community programs. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree preferred and have at least one year of related experience.

The position requires excellent communication skills and the ability to lift up to 30 lbs. This role operates Monday to Friday with some flexibility in hours. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of students!

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in school-aged care, education, social services, or related field.
• Ability to stand, walk, and interact with students and families on a daily basis.
• Capability to lift up to 30 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Work with students to improve math, reading, and social skills.
• Connect students with resources for success.
• Facilitate community programs and family engagement.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong relationship-building ability

Knowledge of community resources

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Department: Out-of-School Time

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: Director of Out-of-School Time Programs

Position Supervises: None

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with a 60-minute break. Some flexibility for occasional evenings or mornings – no weekends required.

POSITION SUMMARY

Are you passionate about making a direct impact on students’ lives? Join our team as a Family & Community Liaison! In this role, you’ll be at the heart of our afterschool and summer programs, working closely with students, families, school-day staff and out-of-school time staff to provide enriching and supportive experiences. You’ll ensure students receive the help they need to thrive.

The Family & Community Liaison plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of our out-of-school time program for elementary students. With a proactive and positive approach, this role serves as the primary link to connecting school-day staff, afterschool staff, students and families together to support students through enriching afterschool and summer programming. The position will work closely with both Volunteers of America, Dakotas and school-day staff.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Direct Student Support

• Work closely with students during the school day and afterschool to improve math, reading and social skills
• Connect students who are facing challenging circumstances with resources to help them be successful
• Assist students during key transitions (e.g., moving to a new grade or school)
• Assist in coordinating mentoring programs to support students’ growth and development
• Ensure that our highest risk student population needs are addressed.

Afterschool and Summer Programming

• Collaborate with community programs to bring engaging and enriching activities to our Out-of-School Time programs
• Facilitate communication between school-day and afterschool staff to ensure seamless support for students
• Lead social skill groups using evidence-based curriculum
• Assist Youth Development Professionals in providing direct care and supervision during afterschool and summer program hours
• Plan and facilitate a minimum of four lessons per month
• Help students with personal hygiene, which may include diaper changes, toileting assistance, handwashing, etc.
• Support students and implement consequences as identified in the organization’s policies and procedures and any written behavior plans
• Communicate with parents daily, including both positives and challenges

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong connections with families to understand their needs and connect them with resources to help them thrive
• Lead or participate in family engagement events to foster a supportive community
• Work alongside school administration and community partners to plan and/or participate in school wide and community wide events
• Coordinate educational opportunities for families on various topics to support student success

Collaboration

• Set and achieve goals with agency and school principals
• Collaborate regularly with agency and school leadership to ensure consistent support for students
• Participate in leadership teams and meetings to stay aligned with organizational goals
• Ensure timely and effective communication with all school administration, Community Learning Center & Volunteers of America Dakotas staff.

Other

• Complete all required trainings
• Complete administrative tasks on time (e.g. timesheet, credit card reporting)
• Attend required staff meetings
• Report any safety, maintenance or equipment concerns as soon as possible
• Maintain high level of confidentiality with sensitive information
• Report any instances (or suspected instances) of child abuse and neglect to proper authorities

Responsible for other duties as assigned.

POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least one year of experience in school age care, education, social services or related field experience.

Experience: At least one year of experience in school-aged care, education, social services, or a related field.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong ability to build relationships with school administrators, personnel, students, parents, and the public. Knowledge of community resources and experience working with underserved populations is a plus.

Licenses: Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Other Requirements: All candidates must be at least 18 years old

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

A. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak, climb, crawl, squat, kneel, and bend on a daily basis

B. Capability to Lift, carry, push or pull up to 30 lbs on a daily basis