Santa Clara County Office of Education

Personnel Commission

Bargaining Unit: OTBS

JOB TITLE: Homeless Education Liaison

DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To facilitate the enrollment, retention, and educational success of homeless students and to provide support in the area of education for homeless parents. Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a department administrator or his/her designate within a well-defined framework of policies and procedures. This job class works to improve coordination between schools and schools districts, shelters, and other agencies in order to best meet the needs of homeless students and families.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Works in a liaison capacity to improve communication and collaboration between schools, family shelters, and families.

Assists certificated staff in assessing homeless students when they first enter a new school to determine their present level of competence in various academic areas.

Ensures that homeless students have access to school services, e.g., student study teams, special education, Chapter I, transportation.

Assists teachers by providing individualized/small group assistance to homeless students in the classroom.

Works to sensitize school staff to the causes of homelessness and the effects of homelessness on the development of children.

Assists shelter staff in informing parents about school issues, e.g., enrollment, school records, immunization records, attendance.

Provides outside academic activities for students such as outings to the library, plays, field trips.

Advocates for homeless students and families.

Assists families as they enroll their child in or exit their child from school.

Provides emotional support and encouragement to students.

Provides support to parents in the area of education so that their child may succeed in school.

Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops to increase awareness of homeless education resources, programs, activities, and materials.

Provides linkages between the school program and the County Office's tutorial project.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Possesion of:

a valid and appropriate California Driver's License

a driving record which meets the County Office of Education's insurance requirements

Knowledge of:

the general needs and behavior associated with homeless students and families.

the legal rights of homeless students and families in the area of education

confidentiality issues when working with multiple agencies

academic competency levels of the different grade levels

Ability to:

communicate effectively in both oral and written form

establish and maintain accurate records and files

accurately assess student learning levels and needs

quickly identify problem areas or situations, evaluate problem causes, and take appropriate action to resolve problems identified

exercise tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to changing situations and needs

prepare routine reports and correspondence

establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

develop, implement, and coordinate projects

Generally, the required knowledge and abilities will have been acquired by receiving a Bachelor's degree in a related field, or through a combination of two years of college in a related field and at least two years of experience in a related field.

 

 

DATE: 9/27/94 PERSONNEL COMMISSION APPROVAL: 9/27/94
REVISED: BOARD ADOPTION: