McKinney-Vento Liaison
The McKinney-Vento Liaison is a professional position responsible for supporting the needs of students and families eligible under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The Liaison serves as a critical connection between home, school, and community to identify, address, and reduce barriers that impede the educational progress of McKinney-Vento students. This position requires a high level of confidentiality, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate professionally with co-workers, students, families, and community partners.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters involving students and families.
- Use technology effectively to complete required tasks and documentation.
- Report to work as scheduled and exhibit reliable attendance.
- Organize, prioritize, and coordinate tasks to meet deadlines and program needs.
- Work independently with limited direction and follow complex written and oral instructions.
- Communicate clearly, courteously, and tactfully—both orally and in writing—with staff, students, families, and community members.
- Demonstrate strong time-management skills, initiative, sound judgment, and flexibility.
- Possess familiarity with St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) programs, policies, and procedures.
- Understand post-secondary education systems and the college admissions process.
- Apply project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills to lead and support initiatives.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as an advocate for McKinney-Vento students and families by working collaboratively with community organizations and regional partners to coordinate support services.
- Work with Pupil Personnel Workers to maintain the homeless student database and document services provided.
- Collect, track, and analyze data for assessment, reporting, and monitoring purposes.
- Maintain accurate casework documentation for use by school staff and external agencies.
- Provide clear communication to district residents regarding services and resources available to families experiencing homelessness.
- Ensure immediate enrollment of students identified as homeless and mediate enrollment disputes according to the McKinney-Vento Act.
- Monitor the academic progress of homeless students throughout the school year to ensure full and equitable access to educational opportunities.
- Coordinate and secure eligible educational services, including tutoring and academic support.
- Inform families of available educational and related services and support their meaningful participation in their child's education.
- Assist families in accessing transportation services and ensure they are aware of available options.
- Disseminate required public notices of educational rights to locations serving homeless students.
- Identify students experiencing homelessness through communication with school staff, home visits, phone calls, and coordination with community providers.
- Maintain detailed records of interactions, living arrangement changes, and transportation needs for homeless students and families.
- Provide training and professional development on McKinney-Vento requirements to district staff and affiliated personnel.
- Order, distribute, and monitor the use of posters, brochures, and materials related to homelessness across district buildings.
- Communicate identified needs of homeless students and families to school administrators.
- Support the development and maintenance of the transitional resources website for homeless students and families.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in education, social work, public administration, or a related field; or
- Four (4) years of experience in education, community development, or program management.