Para Future Ready Advocate (2026-20247 School Year)

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors
  
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks
  
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
  
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues
  
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave
  
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position

Qualification Profile:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
  
• Paras working in a Title School must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state approved assessment

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Title: Para Future Ready Advocate

Position Function: The purpose of the Future Ready Advocate is to serve schools that have a disproportionate rate of suspension of At-Risk students. The Advocate will be a pivotal member of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Accountability team that works collaboratively to address the needs of At-Risk students. The work of the Future Ready Advocate may extend beyond the school setting to include residential and community settings. Working with parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators the Future Ready Advocate will implement strategies that build positive relationships with At-Risk students utilizing school and community resources.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Works with key school staff for the benefit of students.
  
• Builds strong relationships with students who are considered at risk due to academics, behaviors & attendance
  
• Develops individualized student success plans for each student that they work with that includes measurable goals and outcomes
  
• Monitors their student's attendance, behavior and academic progress regularly
• Builds a connection between students, families and school personnel
  
• Acts as the "go-to person" at school for the student
• Links students to appropriate resources in the school and community
  
• Coordinates services from the school and community
  
• Provides counseling for specific needs or refer the student to a counselor in the school or community
  
• Establishes group mentoring sessions with at risk young students using district approved training and resources.
  
• Establishes mentoring sessions with youth who are considered at-risk due to suspensions, behaviors or academics.
  
• Responds to students within 24 hours and is available to conduct home visits with students during non-school hours including evenings and weekends.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with USD 259's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Occasional visits to students' homes will be required. Travel between schools and central offices will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Work in standard office and school building environment
  
• Occasional overtime
  
• Attendance at required meetings
  
• Additional demands upon request of supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate both verbally and written in order to communicate with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when their discretion is needed
  
• Ability to perform as an effective team player
  
• Ability to plan, organize, make decisions and prioritize work to meet the daily demands of the building
  
• Exhibit a professional manner and a positive attitude
  
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments
  
• Display a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality
  
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance
  
• Knowledge of company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them