Student Advocate/Site Liaison

Position Title: Student Advocate/Site Liaison

Reports To: Director of Intervention and Support Services

Type: Full-Time; Grant-Funded 

Salary: $22.72 an hour, district benefits included

Location: Ponca City Public Schools (Grades 6–12)

Position Summary:

The Student Advocate/Site Liaison will serve as a critical connection between students, families, school personnel, and community partners to proactively address student substance use, reduce suspensions related to substance violations, and promote restorative practices. This position will focus on supporting students at risk of or currently using substances by providing alternatives to exclusionary discipline and facilitating access to intervention and support services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students, families, school staff, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison between schools, families, and outside agencies regarding student support and substance abuse prevention efforts.
• Provide individualized student and family advocacy, including developing alternative-to-suspension plans for substance-related offenses.
• Collaborate with school administrators, counselors, staff and teachers to ensure student needs are met through restorative and supportive practices.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating family meetings to develop support plans and connect families to appropriate community-based resources.
• Track student referrals, interventions, and outcomes to monitor progress and support grant reporting.
• Promote prevention efforts and help implement Tier One substance abuse prevention programming in partnership with school leadership.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to substance abuse prevention, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice practices.
• Support data collection and feedback processes to evaluate program effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Background in social work, counseling, education, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth and families, preferably in a school, social services, or behavioral health setting.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse student and family populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and willingness to work across school and community systems.
• Training or experience in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, or substance abuse prevention preferred.
• Ability to manage confidential information with sensitivity and professionalism.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily school-based with travel between district sites as needed.
• Some paid evening or weekend work may be required for family meetings or community events.
• Position is contingent upon continued grant funding