Student and Family Resource/Communication Navigator/Liaison
Reeths-Puffer Schools · Muskegon, MI
Job description
REETHS-PUFFER SCHOOLS
Student and Family Resource / Communication Navigator / Liaison
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in social work, education, human services, communications, family studies, or a related field preferred.
Experience working with K–12 students, families, schools, and community-based organizations, particularly families experiencing barriers to school engagement.
Strong understanding of family engagement, student support systems, community resources, and culturally responsive communication practices.
Demonstrated ability to establish trusting, respectful relationships with students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community partners.
Knowledge of available resources related to food, housing, transportation, healthcare, mental health, childcare, and other family needs.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain school processes and resources in accessible, family-friendly language.
Strong organizational skills, follow-through, problem-solving ability, and attention to confidentiality and accurate documentation.
Ability to use district communication platforms, student information systems, and common digital tools to support family outreach and resource coordination.
Ability to work collaboratively across buildings and departments while responding with empathy and professionalism to sensitive situations.
Commitment to equitable access, student success, family voice, and the belief that all children can succeed.
Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow district policies regarding student records, privacy, and mandated reporting.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for district-related travel, if required by assigned duties.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Serve as a welcoming, accessible point of contact for students and families seeking assistance with school information, services, and community resources.
Help families navigate school procedures, enrollment-related questions, district communication channels, and connections to appropriate school personnel.
Identify barriers to student attendance, engagement, and success; collaborate with families and staff to connect students with appropriate supports.
Maintain current knowledge of local community resources and facilitate referrals to agencies offering food, housing, transportation, healthcare, mental health, and other essential services.
Coordinate follow-up with families and partner organizations, as appropriate, to help ensure resource connections are understood and accessible.
Support consistent, timely, clear, and family-friendly communication between schools and homes, including outreach to families who may be difficult to reach through traditional methods.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, attendance personnel, and other support staff to address student and family needs.
Assist in planning and facilitating family engagement events, informational sessions, and opportunities for meaningful two-way communication.
Help families understand and access district programs, student supports, and opportunities for participation in their child's education.
Support communication accessibility by coordinating translated or interpreted information through district-approved resources when needed.
Partner with school staff to strengthen attendance outreach, transitions between grade levels or buildings, and re-engagement efforts.
Participate in appropriate student support and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) collaboration while respecting role boundaries and confidentiality requirements.
Gather family feedback and identify recurring communication gaps or service barriers; share themes and improvement recommendations with district leadership.
Develop and maintain organized, accurate records of outreach, referrals, family contacts, and follow-up activities in accordance with district procedures.
Use approved technology and communication tools to provide clear updates and increase family access to reliable school information.
Facilitate, in conjunction with district staff, positive student outcomes using the Graduate Profile as a 'north star.'
Build and sustain positive relationships with community organizations and help coordinate resource- sharing opportunities that benefit students and families.
Exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and refer matters requiring specialized clinical, legal, or educational expertise to appropriately qualified staff.
Communicate effectively and professionally in situations involving sensitive family circumstances or emotionally charged concerns.
Participate in professional learning, district meetings, and other collaborative activities related to student support and family engagement.
Others as assigned.
Compensation
The salary for this position will be commensurate with level of education and experience.
Posting Period: Until closed
Reeths-Puffer Schools adheres strictly to its policy of nondiscrimination in all programs, services, activities, and employment. Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, or disability. Discrimination inquiries may be directed to the Assistant Superintendent at (231) 719-3108.
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Listed from the district's public job board. To report an error in this listing, email [email protected].
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