Program Assistant

Mississippi State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University hosts the Mississippi Migrant Education Program, a federally funded initiative delivering supplemental education to migrant students across Mississippi. The role requires self-motivation to engage underserved rural communities and support outreach, recruitment, and collaboration with schools and agencies.

Essential duties include connecting families to services, attending trainings, maintaining records, and traveling extensively to service areas.

Qualifications

• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to service areas across the state.
• Experience working with migrant/underserved populations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify and connect migrant children, youth, and families with educational services.
• Attend trainings and meetings to fulfill MEP responsibilities.
• Assist recruitment by locating eligible participants and referring them to recruiters.
• Develop positive relationships with migrant families, schools, and community partners.
• Coordinate outreach at community events and maintain program records.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Function:

The Mississippi Migrant Education Program is a federally funded program geared towards providing migrant students with supplemental education to bridge learning gaps due to the migratory lifestyle. Applicants should be highly self-motivated to provide education services to underserved students in rural areas across the state of Mississippi.

Salary Grade

9

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

As a land-grant university, MSU is proud to house the Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center which serves agricultural families throughout the state. The Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center is a federal program that offers supplemental and supportive educational services to ensure that migrant children have access to all opportunities that a public education offers. The Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center is funded through the Mississippi Department of Education and is housed at Mississippi State University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with outreach efforts to identify and connect migrant children, youth, and families with available educational services and resources.
• Attend state or local and on-going training and meetings including professional development and recruitment support to fulfill the Title I, Part C Migrant Education Program responsibilities.
• Support recruitment activities by helping locate prospective migrant families and referring potential participants to program recruiters for eligibility determination.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with migrant families, school personnel, community agencies, agricultural employers, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between migrant families and schools to facilitate communication and encourage student and family engagement.
• Fully understand and establish proper eligibility determinations based on the guidelines outlined in the recruiter’s manual, the Non-Regulatory Guidance, and the statutes governing the MEP.
• Follow proper procedures and protocol regarding all identification and recruitment activities.
• Provide advocacy and support services to migrant students and families by identifying needs and connecting them with appropriate educational, health, and community resources.
• Assist families with understanding school procedures, available services, and educational opportunities.
• Participate in community events, school activities, and outreach initiatives designed to increase awareness of the Migrant Education Program.
• Maintain records of outreach, advocacy, and family engagement activities as required by program guidelines.
• Collaborate with program staff to support student success initiatives and special projects.
• Assist with parent engagement activities, workshops, and meetings, including support for Parent Advisory Council activities when appropriate.
• Travel extensively (may include weekends) throughout assigned service areas to conduct outreach and provide services to migrant families.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 1. High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2. Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency
• 3. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• 4. Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, school personnel, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1. Experience working with children, youth, families, or community-based programs.
• 2. Experience working with migrant, multilingual, or underserved populations.
• 3. Knowledge of community resources and support services available to families.
• 4. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Speaks Spanish fluently.
• Knowledge of state agencies and community services organizations that serve migratory families.
• Ability to travel extensively.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

This position requires travel throughout assigned service areas, including visits to schools, community agencies, homes, and agricultural work sites. Evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate family schedules and community events.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.