MESD and the MEA union are currently engaged in contract negotiations and the salary listed in this job posting reflects the rate for the 2023-24 school year. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreement, salary adjustments will be made for the 2024-25 school year as applicable.

Department: Instructional Services 

Program: Hospital School Program

Reports to: Program Administrator

Classification/Range: Classified Represented/ Range 14

Schedule: 215 days per year, 8 hours per day

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Alternative Education Transition Specialist will work with hospitalized students in reconnecting with their neighborhood and/or community school. This position works directly with culturally and socially responsive organizations, applicable school districts, administrators, building principals and counselors to navigate the successful reentry into school after exiting the hospital/hospitalization. This position is responsible for obtaining community support services, such as mentoring, educational tutoring and transportation.

NATURE & SCOPE:

This position is subject to board policies, administrative rules and procedures, department regulations and applicable state and federal statutes. This position carries no administrative authority or responsibility.

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

1. Trust: Develop trust among co-workers through honesty and fairness.
2. Communication: Communicate in an inclusive and collaborative manner.
3. Vision: Lead with vision and follow-through.
4. Personal Qualities: Be respectful, caring and courageous.
5. Management Style: Be visible, humble and a team player.
6. Agency-wide perspective: Be involved in, and supportive of continuous overall improvement of MESD.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Collect and disseminate information about reentry and outreach programs to schools, law enforcement partners, hospital partners and other community service agencies.
2. Identify specific communities and organizations interested in forming partnerships with local school districts, local community organizations, state organizations and increase educational enrollment for school age youth in the community.
3. Develop relationships and work with state, local and tribal authorities to advance reentry services in the students’ neighborhood school or education program.
4. Survey and act on the needs of students to reduce and eliminate barriers to reentry into educational program.
5. Determine students’ needs and create a partnership with community service organizations within the school district to evaluate student access in education and increase engagement.
6. Assist in the procurement of resources to contribute and complement reentry in to school and regular school attendance.

7. Schedule and conduct visits with applicable school district and focus option schools to assist, promote and provide a connection between hospitals and to neighborhood schools.

8. Schedule time with students, families, providers and support networks to complete all steps necessary for reentry in to school.

9. Give support to students, parents, providers and support networks through information and training related to the reentry process for enrolling in school.

10. Provide educational training and attend functions that may require a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends as appropriate.

11. Work with designated personnel to coordinate, develop and maintain systems to collect data related to student outcomes relative to reentry in to school.

12. Collaborate with school district partners and provide mentorship support to partners as needed to increase effectiveness of outreach.
13. Work with designated personnel to coordinate, develop and maintain systems to collect data related to student outcomes relative to reentry in to school.
14. Create and present monthly outcome reports to both MESD and applicable school district administrators.

15. Contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

16. Maintain regular and timely attendance.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate in ongoing professional development.
2. Attend and participate in all required meetings as assigned.
3. Adhere to the policies and procedures of the District and Hospital School Program sites.
4. Performs other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a wide variety of locations, including office and school environments. May work with high stress student or family situations. Involves sitting, walking and attendance at evening and weekend meetings. Requires the use of computers, office equipment and driving personal vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Mobility: Frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.
2. Lifting: Frequently up to 10 pounds; occasional up to 25 pounds.
3. Vision: Constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.
4. Dexterity: Frequent use of keyboard; frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
5. Hearing/talking: Frequent hearing and talking, in person and on telephone.
6. Emotional/Psychological: Frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or co-worker contact; occasional working alone.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of the hospital system, medical and psychiatric services and state and local school district policies and procedures.
• Experience and/or training in Culturally Responsive Practices working with at least one of the following sub-populations of youth and young adults: youth identifying as Black/African-American, Latinx, American Indian, Alaskan Native, of Eastern European or Russian origin, of Southeast Asian origin, hospitalized youth, justice involved, experiencing houselessness, and/or LGBTQ2SIA .
• Strong ability to have patience and compassion in working with youth disconnected from public education
• Knowledge of and experience working with diverse communities and cultures.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations which apply to youth reentering public education.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High quality productive problem solving strategies as a collaborative team member working with multiple districts and agencies.
• Ability to work in partnership with families, mutually exploring options and soliciting input to reconnect students with public education.
• Ability to work with hospitalized, vulnerable populations and at-risk youth.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese preferred but not required. 
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle available for use on the job, required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field and/or 2 years related experience in secondary schools or post-secondary institutions; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job.

BENEFITS: 

• District pays full medical, dental and vision premiums for eligible employees and dependents
• Two medical insurance plan options: 
• Group Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• Opt-Out option
• MESD pays employee’s 6% Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) contribution
• Paid holidays, sick leave and personal time off
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development 

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NOTE: The description contained herein reflects general details as necessary to describe the principle functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

MESD recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of MESD that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. 

Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Director for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.