Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss your application.

Position Title: DEI Community Specialist II

Department: Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Reports To: Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Equity

Job Definition

Under general supervision, the DEI Community Specialist II serves as a resource to students and families, eliminating barriers that restrict them from fully engaging in their school communities. This position requires independent judgment, knowledge of district and community resources, and the ability to navigate across cultures, systems, and sectors. The DEI Specialist II supports the team’s professional learning via ongoing peer mentoring and coaching; coordinates district processes in accordance with state and federal laws, as well as district policies, including student and family intake, document management, evaluation, and data collection; and partners closely with Office of DEI leadership on family engagement events and activities.

Nature and Scope of Work

Essential Job Functions

• Provides mentoring and coaching to peers on the team, including observation and feedback cycles, as well as informal job-embedded consultation and guidance, for the purpose of supporting new staff and improving the team’s performance.
• In accordance with federal and state laws, coordinates the district’s processes, including student and family intake, document and transcript management, transportation coordination, federally-required evaluations, and data collection, through both local/district and state-required reporting systems.
• Present key data, findings, and recommendations to district, school, and regional teams, for the purpose of transparent and informed student placement in schools, programs, and services, as well as for long-term improvement of services to students and families.
• Partners in the planning, coordination, and implementation of district-wide family engagement events and activities.
• Serves as a visible and accessible liaison between the school and community resource providers.
• Makes home visits to families, as appropriate.
• Assists students/families with completion of paperwork necessary for enrollment, services, etc.
• Provides information / training to other agencies, public groups, and school staffs, as needed.
• Develops and maintains trusting relationships between the district/school and the parents/students .
• Facilitates discussions across cultures for the purpose of understanding and resolving student, family, and school issues.
• Is available and accessible to students, families and school staff, including attendance at evening events.
• Reaches out to students and families in need and assists them in navigating social services.
• Completes all necessary paperwork required by funding sources/agencies and maintains accurate records.
• Attends school site meetings as appropriate (CARE,EBISS, RTI, etc).
• Makes connections with students and families regarding attendance concerns and looks for ways to eliminate barriers and help students re-engage in school.
• Refers family to other community resources, if needed.
• Schedules appointments and sends prior notice to student/parent.
• Coordinates family services at each school/district site by creating an inviting physical setting.
• Communicates their daily schedule with appropriate site staff and responds to phone messages, email, etc. promptly.
• Follows appropriate district policies and procedures and professionally represents the school/district in all interactions.
• Maintains a safe environment for students at all times and promptly reports safety concerns.
• Attends work regularly and completes all required trainings and meetings.

Working Conditions

The DEI Specialist II works with individuals and small groups who may face a variety of barriers. They must be able to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time. As this is an itinerant position, extensive travel among schools may be required. They may from time to time lift or move boxes weighing up to 30 pounds and / or maneuver up to 50 pounds. The employee works under tight, inflexible deadlines. The tasks require extreme accuracy and concentration. The employee works with many interruptions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• DEI Specialist I job experience/understanding.
• Normal developmental sequences and learning patterns.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Community agencies and services.
• Record keeping systems.

Skills & Abilities

Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Relate appropriately to students and their families regarding varying degrees of need and concerns.
• Effective coaching and mentoring skills (communication, feedback, empathy, listening).
• Ability to administer testing and/or surveys, interpret results, and then organize and coordinate data to maintain compliance with state and federal laws.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Work well with individuals and groups from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Recruit and promote community resources.
• Use independent judgment to determine appropriate actions based on information provided.
• Maintain a patient, positive, and persistent attitude with a warm, accepting personality.
• Follow instructions and promote the success of programs and the students served by these programs.
• Work successfully in a team setting with professionals and peers.
• Maintain regular attendance and be punctual. Maintains a schedule and communicates with sites when the schedule needs to change.
• Learn to deal with bodily fluids.
• Learn the operation of telephones, computers, and other equipment used in the work, as required by the position.
• Work flexible hours, including some early evening hours as needed.
• Abide by confidentiality requirements.

Education and Experience

High school diploma and one to two years of advanced education / experience in the specific job requirements, including previous experience working with families and young children from a variety of backgrounds.

The ability to acquire in-depth knowledge of work-related School District policies and practices is necessary. Job proficiency can be acquired in six to twelve months.