Resources Specialist at Public School 108K, Community Schools

With community residents leading the way, the mission of Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation is to build a strong, sustainable Cypress Hills/East New York, where youth and adults achieve educational and economic success, secure healthy and affordable housing, and develop leadership skills to transform their lives and the community.

CHLDC has an opening for one (1) Resource Specialist at PS 108K. Community Schools are a strategy to organize resources and share leadership to integrate social services into the fabric of the schools. Community Schools are equipped to better serve the needs of families so that students come to school ready and able to learn.

Community Schools offer a holistic approach toward improving academic performance driven by strong, collaborative partnerships among principals, parents, teachers and CBOs. In Community Schools, parents are real and active partners in their children's education, the school climate is joyful and positive, and expanded learning opportunities are standard. An integral part of this approach is the integration and alignment of school- and community-based services throughout an expanded learning day (such as health, mental health, counseling and academic enrichment).

Principal Duties:

• Serve as a point-person for in-school triage of family emergencies. For example, help to manage the immediate needs of families who are evicted, lost belongings in a fire or have recently immigrated to the United States.
• Distribute basic supplies and refer families to emergency help from other agencies, including food pantries, health care clinics or agencies providing legal services.
• Work with CHLDC programs that provide access to public benefits, workforce development, counseling for homeowners and tenants, and recreational and educational services, among other services.
• Attend the attendance team meetings and work with the team to follow up with Tier 2 and Tier 3 attendance concerns. Meet with families to discuss school attendance and offer support to assist families where needed. 
• Conduct home visits when necessary.
• Work with the afterschool team to address family-related concerns.
• W Plan and coordinate Community School events and the Community School Forum in collaboration with school staff, program staff, and community partners. 
• Meet with Franklin K. Lane Resource Specialists to coordinate and build on the Resource Binder that list all resources available to families.
• Attend resource fairs in the ENY community to build relationships with other CBOs and neighborhood resources. Follow up with the partners regularly to ensure we have updated information for our partners. 

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of Associate's Degree or equivalent credits required. Applicants must be working toward a Bachelor's Degree. 
• Must have a flexible schedule, some evening/weekend hours may be required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly organized and motivated.
• Ability to work effectively with school aged youth, educators, families, and communities from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
• Experience working in school based settings, with knowledge of community organizing, student support services, and youth development theories.
• Ability to work collaboratively, with strong relationship building skills.
• Must clear DOE fingerprinting and background authorizations.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

Work Environment: