Description
About Communities In Schools of San Antonio :
Communities In Schools of San Antonio is part of a national organization, Communities In Schools®, that ensures every student, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Working directly in over 100 schools across 12 San Antonio school districts, we connect students to caring adults and community resources that help them overcome the barriers that stand between them and a brighter future. We are seeking a passionate, committed, and value-oriented individual to join our team. You will be part of a powerful movement for change, where our staff are committed to shaping an equitable path to education for future generations.
Job Description
Summary / Objective
The Community Specialist builds relationships within Communities in Schools under the supervision of the Future Ready Project Manager. They work closely with Site Coordinators, campus staff, key stakeholders, and community partners to address each school's unique needs. Their role includes coordinating partner training, ensuring quality programming, and supporting various projects. By connecting schools with resources and services, the Community Specialist ensures schools have the necessary support to provide meaningful opportunities for students. They manage a portfolio of school partners, maintaining regular communication, collecting data, conducting school visits, and nurturing relationships
Primary Responsibilities & Essential Functions
(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)
Manage School Partners
- Support a specified portfolio of schools with partners / resources / services that address needs and priorities identified by campus within the program objectives.
- Build positive and productive relationships with school personnel including CIS-SA staff as well as each school's
leadership and / or administration teams.
Develop and implement strategies for creating partnerships between schools and our network of communitypartners.
Actively refer available student-focused programs and services to key personnel of Student Support Team withinschools across a specified portfolio of schools
Follow-up on referrals regularly to ensure that connections are being made or that alternative services are beingreferred to meet need; and gaining feedback as to the efficacy of the connected program.
Identify the school or district liaison who can assist with needs assessments, program evaluation, facilitatepartner appreciation, and enhance awareness of CIS-SA and partners.
Research and identify potential community partners in coordination with the Future Ready Project Manager andthe Strategic Partnership Manager to service providers to meet key needs of the portfolio of schools served by
the Community Specialist.
Serve as the partnership navigator ensuring that all parties have clear communication and understanding ofroles and expectations.
Support the work of the site coordinators and campus personnel with positive and innovative solutions tochallenges.
Assist in gathering key District and School stakeholders to provide program feedback and support continuousimprovement efforts.
Community Engagement
Foster relationships and develop champions with local businesses, community-based organizations, faith leaders, and / or all relevant stakeholders that lead to positive engagement of the community, neighborhoods, and residents surrounding the portfolio schools.Coordinate and lead planning and problem-solving activities to effectively address challenges and concernsrelated to access to services in the areas surrounding the portfolio schools.
Facilitate ongoing meetings within the assigned portfolio of schools to ensure that collaboration, coordination,and clear communication exist with CIS-SA staff, district campuses and community-based partners.
Represent CIS-SA in relevant community or coalition groups and / or convenings with community partners ordistricts.
Data Management
Collect and analyze data related to school partner connections and monitor school / agency partnerships implementation of programming and services to improve our support of schools and increase program connections and integrity of program.Maintain detailed reports of school and agency partnerships for the portfolio of schools; andComplete monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting necessary for monitoring of programming, evaluation, and sharing with stakeholders.Training
Coordinate with Training and Education Department to plan and / or facilitate trainings, and networking events for school and agency partners to build and deepen partner capacity and collaboration.Identify quality speakers or trainers in the community and among partners to offer relevant trainings for Student Support Team and campus staff, agency partners, families, and / or youth to address needs and build capacity.Collaborate with internal CIS-SA departments, Student Support Teams, and other relevant partners tounderstand what training is needed and how to strengthen training efforts.
Participate in training on Restorative Practices and other Healing Frameworks to support implementation and provide guidance to District and School stakeholders to improve school culture and climate.Administrative
Manage timecard.Attend and participate in all mandatory agency meetings.Complete required departmental reports within deadlines.Exhibit CIS Core Values :
PassionCompassionCollaborationOptimismAdaptabilityPosition Type / Expected Hours of Work : This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work generally are Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 5p.m. This position on occasion requires long hours and weekend work.
Benefits : CIS-SA provides a comprehensive benefits package in addition to pay. This position offers additional shift pay as a year round position.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, GENDER, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROHIBITED BY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL LAW.
Requirements
Required Education and Experience
Minimum bachelor's degree in social work, Public Health, Sociology, or related fieldTwo years relevant work experienceAbility to read, interpret and apply contractual terms and provisions.Experience with data analysis, data evaluation and / or database management.Front of room training or presenting experience.Demonstrating empathy toward clients, their challenges, and viewpointsUnderstanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectivesProven ability to set priorities, manage multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines and work with minimalsupervision.
Communicating effectively to understand needs, convey information and collaborate on solutions. Adaptable todiverse work environments, frequent changes, and various leadership styles.
Knowledge of social service resources that can support social, emotional, and academic needs.Preferred Education and Experience
Experience with cross-sector collaboratives and / or change management.Experience with Project Management.Experience administering multi-year grants and contracts.Additional Eligibility Qualifications / Requirements
Strong organizational skills along with excellent oral and written communication abilityA willingness to follow the CIS-SA model, be adaptable to client and system change, and coordinate efforts in a collaborative team environment.Maintain confidentiality and professional and ethical behavior in all interactions and interventions.Must have reliable transportation.Must be able to pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background checkQualifications / Competencies
Ethical Decision Making : Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.Build Relationships : Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.Communicate Effectively : Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.Creativity / Innovation : Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.Focus on Client Needs : Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.Foster Teamwork : Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.Lead : Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.Make Decisions : Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.Organize : Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.Plan : Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.Solve Problems : Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and / or resolve the problem.
