Position: McKinney Vento Retention Navigator

Reports To: Director of the Office of Federal Programs

Location: All Buildings

Salary: $25 hour

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for removing educational barriers. The child/youth systems navigator must be committed to service through a lens of equity.  The homeless child/youth systems navigator works alongside McKinney-Vento staff as a team member to develop educational intervention strategies; provide case management, resource systems navigation, monitor student progress, make appropriate referrals, and act as a resource to families experiencing homelessness.

This full-time position will support Dayton Public Schools in identifying children and youth experiencing homelessness that were previously unsuccessful in meeting school attendance and graduation requirements.  The navigator will provide support and resources to assist with wrap-around services needed to enable them to attend school and participate fully in school activities. The child/youth systems navigator will be instrumental in meeting the urgent needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness—including academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs. The child/youth systems navigator will work collaboratively to ensure the district is compliant with the McKinney-Vento Education Act for homeless children and youth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and assist in the identification of children/youth within the Dayton Public Schools experiencing homelessness.
• Access resources, navigate complicated forms, and processes.
• Work with students ages 12-18 who have a record of poor attendance and have been/are at risk to be reported for truancy.
• Track attendance, grades, and graduation plan.
• Identify and maintain knowledge of resources in the community that provide family support and recreational activities.
• Engage families and unaccompanied youth in understanding and supporting the education of their children.
• Identify and retain previous unaccompanied youth and high school students experiencing homelessness.
• Ensure that parents, guardians or caregivers of homeless children/youth are informed of their McKinney Vento educational rights which include immediate enrollment, transportation, school fee waivers, and school choice.
• Collect and maintain data regarding McKinney-Vento students such as number of students identified, graduation rates, attendance rates, absenteeism rates, dropout rates, and academic proficiency rates (specifically focusing on reading).
• Assist in organizing supply closets, food pantries, hygiene kits, etc, for identified students and their families.
• Use effective and professional communication skills when interacting with stakeholders, including families of students experiencing homelessness.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Create individual and family linkages and referrals, homeless shelters, public benefits, financial literacy, food security, homeless drop-in services, outreach teams, domestic violence shelters, youth and parenting services, community medical services, child protective services, county behavioral health, and other related providers.
• Respond to calls, emails, update requests and other inquiries in a professional and timely manner.
• Work collaboratively with schools to establish a re-entry program for disconnected, stopped-out, and dropped out youth.
• Schedules and facilitates attendance conferences with school staff, parents and students concerning unexcused absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• High School Diploma is required.
• Associate’s Degree (AA) or Bachelor’s Degree (BA) highly desired or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
• Minimum of year’s experience in relevant roles (social work, resource coordination, and parent engagement).
• 1 - 3 years experience working with diverse populations including homeless or economically disadvantaged populations.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES/DEMANDS 

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, stoop, and climb stairs
• Occasionally lift and/or move lightweight items up to 40 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is performed in a classroom setting
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and tissue
• Work may be subject to frequent interruptions
• Some assignments are subject to completion within strict timelines
• Periodic travel for meetings, professional development activities, and work assignments

The Dayton Public School District provides equal educational and employment opportunities for all people without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, color, age, disability, religion, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, or affiliation with a union or professional organization.