Education Specialist (Migrant Education Outreach Specialist) - Band 8 (Shelby County)

The Northern Migrant Education Regional Center Outreach Specialist Recruiter/Advocate for Shelby County is responsible for identifying and recruiting children and families who are eligible for enrollment in the KY Migrant Education Program.  The incumbent advises school district staff, community and other agencies to interpret federal law and regulatory guidance as well as to provide service and offer referral for service needs of those families recruited.  The incumbent provides technical assistance to local school district staff and other service providers; counsels targeted students aged 3-22 and their parent/guardians.

The Outreach Specialist position completes work of an advanced nature that requires familiarity with procedures and knowledge of counseling students and families on academic and school admission requirements (K-12) and serves as liaison to community organizations and partners. 

Identifies and recruits eligible migrant children within the target region

• Develops Identification and Recruitment (ID&R) plan for assigned school district.
• Interprets, explains, and facilitates participation to all potentially eligible families the purpose and objectives of the Migrant Education Program
• Organizes and participates in school and community activities and events that are related to the services and needs of our migrant families and children.
• Travels throughout the target district and interviews potential families and children to determine eligibility for the migrant education program
• Conducts school visits to develop collaboration to identify new students enrolled in the district.
• Identifies school and community resources for students and families that can provide supplemental educational and social service needs for those enrolled in the program.
• Distributes information about the migrant education program and other community resources to potential and current children and families.
• Develops and maintains excellent relationships with services agencies and other referral organizations within the assigned district.
• Maintains recruitment records for each assigned school district.
• Participates in all ID&R training and workshops for new staff and updates when necessary on the regional and state levels when assigned.

Collects required data in support of needs assessment and program evaluation

• Compiles data and develops reports regarding recruitment and follow-up activities as required and according to federal and state guidelines.
• Participates in data collection and program evaluation for documentation of local district, and state needs assessments and service delivery plans.
• Utilizes appropriate data collection techniques in obtaining and reporting required data.
• Documents recruitment activities for target region and keeps accurate files which include maps, certificates of eligibility and supporting documentation, activity logs, and other pertinent information.
• Analyzes and manages district data and produces reports for the state/regional databases – MIS2000 and national database – MSIX.
• Produces reports of other data – health, education and migratory patterns - as required or requested.

Assists with providing advocacy and referrals for academic needs and personal welfare

• Works with the program staff to ensure families' needs are met either by program resources or through referrals to other school and /or community agencies.
• Conducts home visits and acts as liaison between the school and /or community agencies and the home.
• In accordance with Regional Coordinator conducts after school and summer academic tutoring.
• Monitors student progress through consultation with school teachers, guidance counselors, and Infinite Campus.
• Serves as counselor for Summer Academy and other regional field trip and cultural enrichment programming.
• Works with staff to plan and conduct district and regional parent engagement activities.

Ensures effective operations and quality control for all processes within the program

• Completes all required travel and activities reports/forms in a timely and accurate manner and according to established policy.
• Conducts monitoring of local program ID&R practices through shadowing staff and review of files and records.
• Conducts re-interviews of program participants to determine eligibility for the program and for annual quality control requirements.
• Attends meetings, conferences, trainings, etc. as required to stay abreast of current program regulations and procedures.
• Assists others as needed in effort to ensure the most efficient use of time and resources.
• Completes all other duties as assigned.

Plan and conduct public relations and communication activities of the program

• Develops public relations reports and written materials for distribution.
• Oversees the logistics required to support program activities as required.
• Plans and conducts scheduling, and participates in public relation activities related to program goals and objectives.

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (related field) and one year of related experience, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of related experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) written and oral language skills required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be a self-starter with ability to stay on task.
• Have the ability to work with and manage all types of people.
• Be attentive to detail and paperwork.
• Must be able to maintain files and keep detailed records.
• Must demonstrate computer skills and on-line knowledge.
• Personal and professional integrity with an emphasis on confidentiality and attention to detail.     
• Strongest applicants will demonstrate a strong understanding and knowledge of migrant lifestyle and the educational, social, and economical assets and barriers associated with migrant and seasonal farmworkers.