What are the responsibilities and job description for the Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Advocate position at Polk County Public Schools?
Position Title:
Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Advocate
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Salary Grade, if non-union:
Pay Grade, if union:
Non-Union or Specific Collective Bargaining Agreement:
Teacher's Union
Our Mission:
The mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students.
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The duties are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This job description is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Other duties may be assigned which are not listed. Additionally, when duties and responsibilities of this job change, this job description will be reviewed and updated, subject to changes and business necessity.
Custom Job Purpose:
This position exists to perform comprehensive social services as the school-home-community liaison to support student achievement and personal development.. Will work under the supervision of the Homeless Senior Coordinator
Essential Functions of this Job
Acts as liaison between the home and school, stressing the academic and social service support for unaccompanied high school youth experiencing homelessness . Provides casework to assist in the prevention and remediation of problems of attendance, adjustment, and learning. Works with students who qualify for services through the McKinney-Vento Act (students who are identified as homeless), individually and in groups (where feasible). Works closely with guardians/caretakers and/or parents of referred pupils to help them understand the pupils' problems and to assist them in finding solutions to the problems hindering the pupils' functioning in an educational setting.
Works closely with teachers and other personnel to share information about a pupil and assist in planning to meet their needs. Provides consultation to teachers and other school personnel regarding pupils with problems. Acts as a referral agent in obtaining needed assistance for pupils and/or families of pupils from community agencies. Provides academic and attendance supports/visiting teacher/social services to each school assigned to them on a regularly scheduled basis.
Non-Essential Functions of this Job
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of social casework. Considerable ability to relate to all levels of society. Ability to relate to students and their needs. Ability to maintain records and make reports of daily activities and casework. Knowledge of the school system. Familiarity with the McKinney-Vento Act and experience working with students who qualify for services (who are identified as experiencing homelessness) is preferred. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Bilingual/biliterate preferred
Education, Experience and/or Certification/License Requirements
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a social service-related field. work is required.
Work Context:
Requires some sitting and standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public.
Physical Environment:
Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Requires sitting for the majority of the day, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects infrequently weighing up to 20 pounds. Requires travel to schools and worksites within the district.
Local Code:
10649
EEO5:
43
Approval Date:
Mon Aug 11 2025 23:00:00 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Date Last Revised:
8/24/2025
The School Board of Polk County, Florida, prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, age, homelessness, or disability or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment.