Program Specialist- MBK

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : This position exists in the Schenectady City School District and involves the responsibility for the coordination of all aspects of the My Brothers' Keeper Program in the District. This includes, but is not limited to coordinating the MBK Ambassadors; functioning as District Liaison to the Community and Community Organizations and ensuring that family and community engagement is a priority in the participating schools. Direct supervision is received from the District Director of Pupil Personnel Services with wide leeway given for carrying out the details of the work. The incumbent does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES :

• Conduct outreach and recruit community partners to support MBK initiatives, coordinate with building principals, MBK Turnkey Trainers and MBK Ambassadors in each school in meeting the goals of the program;
• Coordinate and monitor the activities of the My Brothers' Keeper (MBK) Ambassadors who work with families and school stakeholders to ensure that family engagement activities meet the needs of families and students;

• Recruit for and supervises the Success Mentors connecting highly at-risk young men of color with mentors from our schools and network of community partner organizations to meet the goals of providing encouragement, guidance and support to help students to come to school regularly;
• Ensure that the Success Mentors program Identify nontraditional services that the district may provide within the community to support families and achievement;

• Recruit faculty and principals to be MBK Turnkey Trainers;
• Ensure that faculty in all target schools receive training by the Turnkey Trainers in PLCs and at Principals meetings;
• Schedule MBK Advisory Council meetings and assure that books and other materials are ordered for book talks and explore other areas for expanded partnership;
• Establish collaboration between educators and community members in an administrative assistant role to the MBK Advisory Council which will include parents, teachers, principals, students, partners and community stakeholders;
• Schedule quarterly meetings of the MBK Advisory Council for to review data and program progress; assure that their program guidance is provided as feedback to building administrators and program participants;
• Maintain progress monitoring and reporting to assess impact of the MBK program;
• Develop and supervise a system for coordinated parent and community volunteers;

• Develop plans and procedures for the MBK program;

• Coordinate and maintain the record-keeping and materials required to support the MBK program;
• Collaborate with administrators to develop protocols for establishing effective communication between parents and building staff;
• Ensure building level data and parent surveys drive the focus of engagement opportunities;

• Recruit teachers and parents to participate in facilitated workshops;
• Work with parents and families to address concerns and to foster communication between the home and the school;
• Coordinate the work of the building level liaisons, building systems for the work to be consistent and cohesive across the district so that there are more opportunities for parents and families to be involved in the education of their child(ren);
• Inform and assist families with services, resources and activities that are on-going within the district and community;
• Work with liaisons to assure parent conferences are well attended and informative for parents;
• Recruit community leaders to serve as resources and advocates for parents;

• Represent the district at community events and conferences, neighborhood meetings and related community activities on behalf of MBK program;
• Serve as primary district liaison to community organizations, local government agencies, and non-profit agencies;
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent and/or District Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS : Good knowledge of school district programs; Good knowledge of methods and procedures used in record maintenance; Good organizational skills; Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to enlist the cooperation of others to meet a defined goal; Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; Ability to work with youth in an urban setting; Ability to develop quality relationships with parents, students, administration and the school board; Ability to assist the schools in effective communication with parents; Ability to organize meetings; Ability to organize members of the community to develop grassroots concerns and communicate them effectively; Ability to advocate for parents; Ability to seek information to assist families; Compassion and respect for others; Cultural sensitivity to various populations within the school district; Tact, courtesy and resourcefulness in dealing with people; Ability to work evenings and attend evening meetings. Candidates interested in applying must complete an online application. In addition, all applicants are requested to submit a current resume. This is a competitive Schenectady County Civil Service position. Candidates must meet civil service requirements for appointment. Candidates must currently hold this title or be reachable on the civil service list when available. If a list is not available, this will be a provisional appointment and the successful candidate must take the appropriate civil service examination and be reachable. Candidates must live in Schenectady County or one of the counties contiguous to Schenectady County.The Schenectady City School District (SCSD) has begun a period of change that seeks to transform the district and its schools. A significant level of local, state, and federal attention and investment in the Schenectady City Schools has characterized the last few years providing an incredible opportunity to ensure that all of its students graduate prepared to succeed in college or a well-paying career. Currently, the Schenectady City School District is seeking highly competent, motivated, dedicated and fully engaged individuals to accept leadership roles throughout the district's schools and Central Office to serve the academic, emotional and physical needs of approximately 10,000 students through the essential elements of the district's Strategic Plan. The Superintendent is leading a talented and committed leadership team with the aim of moving SCSD toward world class status and preparing all students for success.
The Schenectady City School District is committed to hiring members of the protected classes and residents of the City of Schenectady. For more information on the Schenectady City School District recruitment and hiring plan, please contact the Office of Human Resources. The Schenectady City School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race or gender. This policy is in compliance with the Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Regulations and Bylaws of the Board of Education of the Schenectady City School District.