Posting Opens January 23, 2023 Posting Closes February 6, 2023

The Akron Board of Education announces an opening for an Engagement Specialist, Job Code 229, TS 522 (261 Days), Salary Range TBD. This is a School Employees Retirement System position (EMIS Code 599).

Application must be made electronically through http://www.applitrack.com/akron/onlineapp/.

Please upload a letter of interest, resume and a current copy of appropriate license in addition to completing the online application. The Superintendent reserves the right to either keep the position open until suitable applicants are found or to cancel and repost the position with such changes as may be deemed appropriate. For further information, please contact Dr. Wanda Lash, Student and Family Services Director, 330-761-2734 or Human Resources, 330-761-2753.

QUALIFICATIONS - Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related field or equivalent combination of education and/or experience;

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in social work, social and community services, community relations, human behavior, psychology and/or related area;

• Demonstrated knowledge of Akron community and its available resources;

• Experience in an urban setting serving diverse clients;

• Capacity to maintain integrity, confidentiality, neutrality, and ethical decision making;

• Communication skills and experience in resolving conflicts;

• Ability to problem solve and resolve complaints;

• Willingness to work alternative to traditional hours as needed;

• Must have a broad-based understanding of enrollment and screening processes related to educational placements (Open Enrollment, Special Education, ELL, transfers, etc.);

• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.

Desired:

• Three to five years’ experience in conflict resolution, mediation, de-escalation or related areas;

• Three to five years’ experience in customer service setting or ombudsman department

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Welcomes staff, students, families and community members to the Engagement Center in the Akron Public Schools;

• Tracks the nature of visits to the Engagement Center;

• Interfaces with students, staff and families to individually discuss their needs in order to determine how to best address their needs;

• Utilizes strong interpersonal skills as well as de-escalation and problem solving skills to work with parents and students from diverse backgrounds;

• Maintains relationship with Children's Services agencies, Juvenile courts and other agencies to support enrollment and to streamline appropriate exchange of information;

• Recognizes social-emotional needs and when it is appropriate to engage parents/guardians in addressing academic and nonacademic needs;

• Initiates engagement between APS Families and available Akron community resources.

• Successfully navigates through technology, including Google and Word platforms;

• Executes APS operations and departmental functions to properly link to appropriate staff persons;

• Answers district calls and provides support by answering questions and/or connecting to the appropriate department;

• Collaborates with the Technology department to facilitate Chromebook/Hotspots exchanges with families;

• Supports Non-APS Families with transportation requests.

• Assists with ID Badges, background checks and bus passes for our APS employees, students, and families;

• Completes actions to ensure sound judgements and decisions to work with youth, parents, and APS staff;

• Works cooperatively and effectively with all students, families, community, and other employees;

• Completes accurate and timely records and reports as required;

• Accurately assesses documents to support enrollment, residency, custody, etc. updates;

• May be required to travel, both within the school district and outside of the school district to support APS needs including community and special events to support family and community engagement;

• Attends meetings, in-services and training programs related to the position;

• Reports to and carries out any other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Student and Family Services.

IF YOU REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL SERVICES (SUCH AS INTERPRETER, BRAILLE OR LARGE PRINT, OR WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS) COVERED UNDER THE AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, PUBLIC LAW 101-336, SECTION 102, PLEASE CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-761-2753. IF YOU ARE USING A TTY/TTD, PLEASE CALL THE OHIO RELAY SERVICE AT 1-800-750-0750.

AKRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND TRANSGENDER IDENTITY), DISABILITY, AGE, RELIGION, MILITARY STATUS, ANCESTRY OR GENETIC INFORMATION (COLLECTIVELY, “PROTECTED CLASSES). DIVERSE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.